Headaches in specific areas can sometimes signal a stroke.
This is what causes headache.
It comes on suddenly and gets better fairly quickly.
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(Most TIAs last around five minutes, but some can last for up to 24 hours.)
What Does a Stroke Headache Feel Like?
Hemorrhagic strokeis known for causing a “thunderclap headache.”
People often describe this headache as the worst headache of their life.
It hits hard and fast, reaching peak intensity within seconds to minutes.
It usually affects the whole head.
Ischemic strokeheadaches often develop gradually and are more persistent.
Ischemic stroke headaches can affect one or both sides of the head.
There isn’t a specific headache location that means stroke.
The location of the headache depends on the part of the brain affected.
For example:
Headache can occur before, during, or after stroke symptoms start.
According to one study, 86% of people reported a headache within the same day of stroke symptoms.
The remainder of the individuals developed a headache two to five days later.
There are some key differences between the two that are worth noting.
Could It Be an Aneurysm?
Ananeurysmis a bulge or weak area in the wall of a blood vessel in or around the brain.
Not all aneurysms rupture.
But when one does, it can cause bleeding in the brain, leading to hemorrhagic stroke.
A ruptured brain aneurysm typically triggers an intense thunderclap headache.
Unruptured aneurysms may not cause any symptoms at first.
Ischemic strokes often cause headaches that have a tension-punch in quality affecting one or both sides of the head.
Strokes are a medical emergency.
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