pathoscribe

Written by Nikita Mathur | Art by Tanisha Arora

Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is defined as a sleep disorder that causes one to hear loud noises. Although the name might sound alarming, the disorder itself does not cause negative effects. Since there are no tests to determine EHS specifically, healthcare workers must identify the disorder based on a clinical examination. This makes exploding head syndrome often unrecognized or misdiagnosed, making it even more important to identify and alleviate it. 

Also known as episodic cranial sensory shocks, exploding head syndrome is a type of parasomnia, or a disorder that disrupts sleep. As mentioned earlier, patients hear loud noises from explosions to gunshots to cymbals during non-REM sleep and wake up abruptly. Another symptom that makes EHS identifiable is the fact that there is no considerable pain. Many are frightened by the experience, mistaking it for signs of a stroke or brain tumor. While the noises feel realistic, there are no actual sound waves produced. This also means that there is no damage to one’s ears or brain, therefore classifying exploding head syndrome as a benign parasomnia. The EHS episodes last less than a few seconds and vary in frequency. 

Unfortunately, doctors are unsure about what causes exploding head syndrome. Theories include abnormal electrical signals in the brain, problems in the middle of the ear, auras that occur before a migraine, or side effects of medication such as nortriptyline. The parasomnia has no official gender predominance or accurate prevalence. However, stress has been associated with EHS, and sometimes accompanies sleep paralysis. There is also no evidence on whether exploding head syndrome is a genetic condition. Overall, the causes of EHS are still a mystery to researchers and doctors.

In terms of treatment, there is no specific plan to cure exploding head syndrome. To manage the disorder, the best solution is to reassure and educate the patient. Tackling stress and comforting patients has shown a decrease in symptom and episode frequency. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications, but medical professionals can prescribe medicine as needed. 

As a disorder surrounded by uncertainty, exploding head syndrome can be a daunting condition.  However, educating the common person about it, along with continuing efforts of researchers to study and create new treatments every day can help us in the fight against the syndrome.

Works Cited:

Cleveland Clinic medical. “Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS): Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, 19 Oct. 2021, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21907-exploding-head-syndrome-ehs. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Mars, Jonathan A, et al. “Exploding Head Syndrome.” Nih.gov, StatPearls Publishing, 3 Feb. 2025, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560817/. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.