Crockett Crackery

“Cranial explosive syndrome" is 

likely a colloquial or misheard term for Exploding Head Syndrome (EHS), a recognized, albeit rare, benign sleep disorder. This condition is classified as a sensory parasomnia. 

What is Exploding Head Syndrome?

EHS is characterized by the perception of a sudden, loud noise or explosive sensation originating from within the head just as an individual is falling asleep or waking up. 

Key features include:

1. Auditory hallucinations: The sounds are not real and can be described as explosions, gunshots, thunder, or crashing cymbals.
2. No pain: Despite the alarming name and sound, the experience is not associated with significant pain or a headache.
3. Fear and distress: The episode often causes abrupt arousal, fear, anxiety, and a racing heart (tachycardia).
4. Other sensations: The sound may occasionally be accompanied by a flash of light or muscle jerks (myoclonus).
5. Benign nature: The condition is harmless and not a sign of a serious underlying neurological issue like a brain tumor or hemorrhage. 

Causes and Triggers

The exact cause of EHS is unknown, but theories suggest it involves a temporary dysfunction in the brain's reticular formation, the part of the brainstem that manages the transition between wakefulness and sleep. Instead of shutting down the auditory neurons, they may fire all at once, leading to the perceived noise. 

Potential triggers and associated factors include:

1. Stress and anxiety.
2. Sleep disruption (e.g., insomnia, jet lag).
3. Sudden withdrawal from certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or benzodiazepines.
4. Other sleep disorders, particularly sleep paralysis. 

Diagnosis and Management

Diagnosis is based on a clinical history, as no specific objective tests exist for EHS. A healthcare provider, often a sleep specialist or neurologist, will conduct an evaluation to rule out other conditions like nocturnal seizures, migraines, or hypnic headaches. 

For most people, reassurance that the condition is benign and harmless is sufficient for management and can even lead to the cessation of episodes. 

If episodes are frequent or cause significant distress and interfere with sleep, treatment options (which are mostly anecdotal case reports) may include: 

1. Addressing underlying causes, such as improving sleep hygiene or managing stress.
2. Medications like certain antidepressants, calcium channel blockers, or antiseizure drugs may be prescribed in some cases. 

If you are experiencing symptoms, it is recommended you consult with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate guidance. 

Quiet, Piggy! (I'm just trying to be Presidential here)

You are not drawing enough attention. Take some tips from Trump.

“Cranial explosive syndrome" is 

Wow! Strike a nerve, did I? “Cranial explosive syndrome" is my own lexicon, invented on the moment. I couldn't care less that it is some psycho's deliberate disorder. Then subject is Crockett.

Yep, I stayed the night in a Crockett motel.

Scariest place on the whole 38 day trip.

I think Jasmine Crockett got drawn out of her seat. She's not bad, she was just drawn that way.

I think that in the above photo, Faux is second from the left.

Trump is drawn badly as well.