Final answer:
A patient with an 'exploding headache' is likely experiencing a cerebral aneurysm, which can cause a hemorrhagic stroke. Immediate emergency action is crucial for treatment and potential surgery to relieve intracranial pressure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient's description of an "exploding headache" suggests a severe and abrupt onset of pain, which is characteristic of a hemorrhagic stroke, a type of stroke caused by the bursting of a weak blood vessel in the brain. This results in bleeding into the brain tissue, leading to symptoms such as a sudden, severe headache, possible loss of function, and increased pressure within the skull. The correct answer to the question is a) Cerebral aneurysm, which refers to a weakened area in the wall of a brain artery that bulges or balloons out and can rupture causing a hemorrhagic stroke.
Emergency action is critical when a stroke is suspected, and immediate medical intervention is required. In the case of a hemorrhagic stroke, surgery may sometimes be necessary to relieve pressure caused by the accumulated blood. Risk factors for stroke include lifestyle choices like smoking, as well as health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Given that the patient is in the emergency room with these symptoms, quick action is vital to maximize the chances of a better outcome.