What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Acute Headache Attributed to Non-Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma
• Acute Headache Attributed to Non-Traumatic ASDH
• Acute Headache due to Non-Traumatic Acute Subdural Haemorrhage

What is Acute Headache Attributed to Non-Traumatic Acute Subdural Hemorrhage? (Definition/Background Information)

• Acute Headache Attributed to Non-Traumatic Acute Subdural Hemorrhage (ASDH) is a headache disorder that occurs secondary to non-traumatic acute subdural hemorrhage. Apart from the intense sudden-onset headaches, there may be other rapidly-developing neurological signs and symptoms noted
• Non-traumatic acute subdural hemorrhage (ASDH) or acute subdural hematoma may be described as bleeding between the brain and its outer membranes (subdural space) that develops from a ruptured blood vessel, in the absence of any injury/trauma to the brain. It is a life-threatening medical emergency associated with a high mortality rate
• The neurological signs and symptoms of the condition may include speaking difficulties, lack of awareness, uncontrolled movements, fatigue, dizziness, seizures, and loss of consciousness. The headache (termed thunderclap headache) is severe, persistent, and oftentimes, a prominent presentation of non-traumatic subdural hemorrhage. It has an abrupt onset and peaks in intensity within a few seconds to minutes

The criteria for diagnosis of Acute Headache Attributed to Non-Traumatic Acute Subdural Hemorrhage (ASDH) as outlined by the International Headache Society (IHS) is given below:

• Acute subdural hemorrhage (ASDH) in the absence of head trauma has been diagnosed
• Any new headache fulfilling the criterion below

Evidence of causation demonstrated by at least two of the following:

• Headache has developed in very close temporal relation to other symptoms and/or clinical signs of ASDH, or has led to the diagnosis of ASDH
• Either or both of the following:
  • Headache has significantly worsened in parallel with worsening of ASDH
  • Headache has significantly improved in parallel with improvement of other symptoms or clinical or radiological signs of ASDH
• Headache has either or both of the following characteristics:
  • Sudden or thunderclap onset
  • Localized in accordance with the site of the hemorrhage

Either of the following:

• Headache has resolved within 3 months (of stabilization/treatment or spontaneously)
• Headache has not yet resolved but 3 months have not yet passed

Not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.

(Source: International Headache Society Classification ICHD-3, London, United Kingdom)