Does Degenerative Disc Disease Cause Thunderclap Headache?

Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015

Question: This morning I had just started my leg workout with my trainer. I literally was on my very first warm-up set of leg extensions when suddenly I got an extremely painful headrush in the back of my head where the base of my skull and top of my cervical spine meet. I suddenly had a horrible headache which I just learned is called a thunderclap headache. Two years ago I was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. I'm wondering if this could be the cause or if this is a sign of another serious condition that I need to be seen for. I know there are many possibilities which are not to be taken lightly. I'm very worried about this as I've never experienced this before. Please any light you may shed on this would be greatly appreciated. I am 180lbs, 72" tall 17.5% body fat and I workout 4 times a week regularly. My blood pressure has been in the normal range as I have it checked weekly in medical assisting school. I do not take any medications. I take a multivitamin with probiotics daily as well as coral calcium, vitamin C and B-12's. I do use a supplement called C-4 as a pre-workout which I'm wondering if that could be the cause. I just started taking it again 5 weeks prior. I had just taken out 5 minutes before I started working out today. Also I still feel some pain in the back of my head especially if I shake it. A normal headache would have been go ne by now as it's 12 hours later. Ok hopefully you can help.

Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly like a cervical cause

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I am Dr Mittal.
I have read your query.
I think I would be able to help you.

First, I dont think this is a thunderclap headache.
That happens in the side of the head, and not at the nape of the neck.
Besides, if that was the cause, it would mean that you have an intracranial bleed.
However, to rule it out, I would suggest a CT Head.

Second, I dont think it is related to the supplement intake that you have suggested.
You have been on the supplement since before.
SO unless there is a steroidal intake, I wont think of that as a cause just yet.

I feel that the cause may actually be a spine condition.
In the degenerative disease, a tear may have happened in the ligaments of the spine.
This may have led to the problem.
And I would actually suggest testing a MRI cervical spine for this.

I would prefer to have you examined by a neurologist (if possible).
Alternatively, I would suggest a MRI Brain, with cervical spine. In this case CT scan wont be needed.

Please feel free to contact us for more information.
I have tried to keep it as simple as possible.
Best of luck.
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Saumya Mittal (1 hour later)

Ok. Thank you.

I just woke up at 4:20 a.m. with quite painful cephalalgia again. Your answer is probably correct however I must ask you. I have no pain in my neck or back in the spine currently nor did I have any pain there at the time the sudden headache and rush came on.

I would think that if a ligament had torn, that I would feel pain in the spine not only in my head. Could I have had a spinal injury such as a torn ligament that was not accompanied by localized pain? How soon do I need to see a physician for this? If the headache goes away, should I still go see a physician?

Answered by Dr. Saumya Mittal (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answered the followup query

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your response.
considering everything, I would suggest meeting a neurologist as soon as possible to rule out the intracranial bleed.
As for the cervical disorder, its a possibility because some nerves that come out of the spinal cord, especially at the top of the spine are turning back up into the head and face. So there is a possibility that we need to consider.
I hope that answers you.
Please feel free to contact us for more information.
best of luck.
Dr Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar