Exploding head syndrome is a common sleep disorder. It usually affects everyone to some degree from time to time. We spoke to David Uskavitch, M.D., clinical director of the Vanderbilt Neurological Clinic, Vanderbilt Medical Center, in Nashville, Tennessee, for one approach to the medical problems you or your loved one may suffer from when trying to sleep.
If you think you might have exploding head syndrome, use this as a reference point before getting personalized medical advice from your doctor or other accredited sleep expert. --Shellie Braeuner
Exploding head syndrome sufferers hear a booming sound as they are drifting off to sleep. Some sufferers may see a flash or feel a single thump on their head. These sensations often startle the sleeper awake. Exploding head episodes are part of a family of disorders called sleep-related myoclonus. These include restless leg, sleep twitches or the sensation of falling as the sleeper drifts off to sleep.
Relax
Reduce Stress
Eat A Balanced Diet
Set Aside Time For Sleep
Seek Professional Help
David Uskavitch, M.D., received his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine in 1987. He completed his residency in neurology at the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1991 and served as president of Neurologic Consultants from 1997 to 2007. He joined the Department of Neurology at Vanderbilt and moved his practice to The Vanderbilt Clinic in February of 2007. Dr. Uskavitch currently serves as director of the Division of General Neurology as well as clinical director of the Neurology Clinic, The Vanderbilt Clinic.
Have you ever suffered from a sleep disorder? What worked for you?
