A thunderclap headache is a common symptom of which condition?

A thunderclap headache is characterized by a sudden onset of severe headache, often described as the worst headache the patient has ever experienced. It typically reaches its peak intensity within moments. This type of headache is most commonly associated with a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is the condition indicated by the correct answer.

A subarachnoid hemorrhage occurs when there is bleeding in the space between the brain and the tissues covering it, often due to the rupture of an aneurysm or trauma. The rapid increase in intracranial pressure and irritation of the meninges from the blood leads to the classic presentation of a thunderclap headache.

In contrast, other types of hematomas listed in the question, such as subdural, epidural, and intracerebral hemorrhages, may present with headaches but typically involve different mechanisms and timings of symptom onset. They may result in progressive headaches, lethargy, and other neurological deficits, rather than the immediate and intense presentation seen with subarachnoid hemorrhage.