This is a particular headache starting during sleep. Many headaches can start during sleep, probably the most common being the migraine. The term hypnic headache implies that it is not migraine, and there is no other obvious cause for it.
What are typical symptoms of hypnic headache?
Patients complain of waking up with a headache, mild to moderate. Headache usually starts during later part of the night. There are no other symptoms, as usually described by patients with migraine or cluster headaches. It affects women more than men, and elderly are affected more than young.
What is the cause of the hypnic headache?
Its exact cause is unknown.
What other conditions may cause headache during sleep?
Following is a list of conditions commonly causing headache during sleep. The term hypnic headache implies that none of these conditions are the cause of headache:
- Migraine
- High blood pressure
- Intracranial hypertension
- Giant cell arteritis
- Sleep disorders
- Rebound headache from overuse of pain medicine
- Cluster headache
- A structural reason such as aneurysm or neck arthritis
How is hypnic headache diagnosed?
In a way, it is a diagnosis of exclusion. It is diagnosed by taking proper history and evaluation to rule out alternate explanation.
How is hypnic headache treated?
Nightly dose of caffeine may help. Other migraine preventive medicines, including indomethacin, can also be tried. If no response with other meds, lithium can also be tried.
Where may I get more information about hypnic headaches?
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