INTRODUCTION: Exploding head syndrome (EHS) is a rare parasomnia in which 
affected individuals awaken from sleep with the sensation of a loud bang. The 
etiology is unknown, but other conditions including primary and secondary 
headache disorders and nocturnal seizures need to be excluded.
CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old Indian male presented with four separate 
episodes of awakening from sleep at night after hearing a flashing sound on the 
right side of his head over the last 2 years. These events were described 'as if 
there are explosions in my head'. A neurologic examination, imaging studies, and 
a polysomnogram ensued, and the results led to the diagnosis of EHS.
CONCLUSION: EHS is a benign, uncommon, predominately nocturnal disorder that is 
self-limited. No treatment is generally required. Reassurance to the patient is 
often all that is needed.