COMAT Emergency Medicine 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The description of a headache as "the worst headache of life" is typically associated with a subarachnoid hemorrhage. This type of headache is characterized by its sudden onset and extreme intensity, often described as a "thunderclap" headache. It may accompany other signs of neurological distress, such as nausea, vomiting, or altered consciousness. This sudden and severe nature is a key distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other types of headaches.

In contrast, cluster headaches are intensely painful but have a different pattern of onset and are often shorter in duration. Tension-type headaches tend to present as a moderate, squeezing pain rather than a severe, explosive sensation, while migraines usually involve a unilateral throbbing pain, potentially with other symptoms like aura or light sensitivity. The immediate and dramatic presentation of a headache with accompanying neurological symptoms suggests the need for urgent evaluation, particularly for a subarachnoid hemorrhage.