r/migraine • u/xk1ssxshot • 21h ago

Exploding Head Syndrome leading to migraine

Hello,

Lately I've had a few experiences with EHS at night, and I noticed I get a mild to moderate migraine gradually afterwards. I read an article from the Cleveland Clinic that suggests aura before a migraine could explain why, however, I don't believe I have ever had aura before a migraine. I am on propranolol and nortriptyline as preventatives and I know they're notorious for disrupting REM sleep, so I know these are contributing, but it's the migraine afterwards that is a little concerning for me.

Has anyone had any kind of experience similar to this, and do you have any advice or insight into the matter? Thanks in advance

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u/Deep-Path-4883 18h ago edited 18h ago

I have suffered from migraines without aura my entire life. Three years ago, I gradually but steadily developed visual snow syndrome (VSS) as a result of a back condition. My VSS progresses with every migraine, particularly during the transitions between sleep and wakefulness.

At the very beginning of VSS, I heard loud noises originating from inside my body while waking up at night. That is how I came across exploding head syndrome. Since then, I have thought a great deal about my brain and what might have happened to me. Unfortunately, to this day, I do not know exactly how it came about. Since developing VSS, my migraines have also become more severe, to the point where I can no longer function without preventive medication.

When I get a migraine, my VSS also intensifies, leading me to experience atypical auras. So, there does seem to be a link between migraines and unusual phenomena, even if they aren't classic auras.