eye pain when closed

[kats2010]

I have pain behind my right eye when I close it.  I especially notice it when I lay down to sleep.  The pain "travels" from behind my eye, aound my skull, to my neck.  Most nights, a headache awakens me and I have to take an aspirin.  If I don't, then the pain is almost debilitating by morning.  I first noticed it when I attempted to sleep in the car.  I laid my head in every direction while in the car, but there was no relief.  I finally just rested my head on the car headrest with my eyes open.  No pain.  When I closed my eye, there was pain.  If I had to rate the pain, I would rate it a 6 initially, with it getting worse through the night.

Any suggestions?

[kats2010]

Thank you, Dr. O, and I will contact my primary physician and ask for a referral.  

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Your symptoms are suggestive of "greater occipital neuralgia", see an EyeMD.

Dr. O.