Sharp, intermittent head pain

[maddys]

I've am experiencing sharp pain on the top of my head.  The pain is intermittent and feels like a one or two second sharp strike -- and always in the same spot.  It hurts to touch my hair in that area due to tenderness and I flinch when it "strikes." .  Usually lasts a couple of days.  Then it will recur perhaps 3 to 6 months from now.  Next time it occurs it will be in another location,but seems to always be at or near the top of my head.  Sometimes I also feel the pain radiate from my ear (left ear this time) to the top of my head to the same spot -- as though there is one little nerve that is throbing.   Please advise.

[jcverive]

There is a nerve - the occipital nerve - that may be responsible for your pain. My occipital neuralgia started just like yours, with sharp jabs of pain near the center of the top of my head.  Even puffs of air would trigger these "lightning bolt" headaches, which eventually involved my eyes and ears, though the actual tender spots were along a line that ran from the top of my head to the bottom of my head on the back left side.

Beware that nerve injuries are often difficult to detect and treat successfully, and a large number of occipital neuralgia patients get misdiagnosed with dental problems or migraine headache variants.  If you seem to be getting nowhere with other doctors, consider visiting a reliable pain clinic, preferably one affiliated with a major teaching hospital. Pain physicians get the diagnoses right more frequently, especially for difficult nerve pain.

Best of luck.

[noops01]

Hi,
These headaches can be ice pick headaches which are sharp, shooting pain lasting for a few seconds and characteristically recur. Indomethacin which is an NSAID is very helpful in preventing icepick headache.Also as rightly mentioned this could be occipital neuralgia, these pains usually occur at the back of head and neck as these parts are innervated by greater and lesser occipital nerve but the pain can go upto the top of head even to the eyebrows.Please consult a pain specialist as occipital neuralgia is difficult to diagnose. Good luck!

[Solvaygirl1972]

I have been having an ache at the very top of my head for about 4 hours now. It feels as if someone pulled my hair very hard, or hit me with a mallet. I get migraines, usually radiating down the neck on the left side, but I've had this kind of pain before too. This is not a sharp pain, but more like a bruise. It makes my entire head ache, but the pain radiates from the tip top. Any idea what this might be?

[noops01]

Hi,

Do you have any other symptoms along with the headache, like dizziness, numbness etc?
Most likely the pain could be a tension headache due to excessive stress and anxiety. Please try OTC painkillers and see if they help.
Also get your blood pressure checked to rule out hypertension. Eat your meals on time to prevent hypoglycaemia, which can cause headache too.
I would also suggest you to schedule an appointment with a physician to undergo complete evaluation.

[heart2heart]

It sounds like either ice pick head aches or neuralgia. Ice pick head aches tend to occur more frequently in those with migraines. I've had ice pick headaches and they felt literally like a ice pick jab in the head, only lasts a few seconds but enough to almost knock you off your feet. Mine went away after a few...years.

[davehook_729]

Maddys, I am also having the exact pain you describe. My scalp is tender when i touch my hair, i have intermittent short bursts of pain and it is localized in the top back/side of my head and in my ear as if someone just held an air horn to it. It's a very uncomfortable feeling. I saw a doctor at day 3 and he said it may be a pinched nerve and to come back in a few days if it persisted and to take an anti-inflammatory (Advil) in the meantime. He wasn't sure what to tell me as he checked out my head, neck, eyes ears and throat and thought everything seemed normal.

[cherrys1]

My scalp is very tender as press on the spot where the pain seems to start it really hurts.  It's almost like someone's hit me.  The pain is sharp and fleeting and will at times go down next to my ear into my jaw behind my ear.  All is on my left side.  I have never had this before.  What could it be?  I have been through a very stressful time lately.  I have no other symptoms, even walked this morning with the pain coming about twice while walking for about 30 minutes.

[AmAnDa59]

i have been having some of the same symptoms.....About a month ago i started getting these horrible headaches.......After water skiing accident. I went to the doctors and he said i have cluster headaches. I would get one sided headaches...with shooting pain....numbness...and tingling sensations. I also have this constant burning sensation in the brigde of my nose. It feels like i have to sneeze all the time. Now my headache are at the back of my head. and almost feel like tension headaches....i have been to see 3 doctors...and 2 neuro's and they keep perscibing my Amitripolin. i have no idea what this is???Any suggestion???

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi
Thanks for writing in.
It is difficult to comment on the cause for headache without actually examining the patient. Since you have a long history of headaches, you should consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. However you may find the following information useful.

There can be several causes for headaches like injury, stress, eye strain, withdrawal from caffeine; migraine, tension headaches and cluster headaches (which are not associated with any other diseases), ice pick headaches, high blood pressure, brain tumors, strokes, meningitis and several other neurological conditions.
From your description it seems it might be ice-pick or cluster headache. Ice pick headaches are sharp, split second pains which typically occur in top and the sides of the head. They are considered to be benign and are common in persons with a history of migraine. They are also difficult to describe as the duration is very short. These types of pain usually do not require any medication because the pain comes & goes very quickly.If pain extends down to your neck and shoulders, then it could be tension headache which is usually of longer duration, beginning gradually and then reaching a peak during the day. It is a dull pain with a dragging feeling at the back and sides of the head.
The exact diagnosis would depend on a detailed history with respect to the exact site, duration, time of the day, intensity, any associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, visual loss, any neurological symptoms along with your past medical history. Various tests such as blood tests, CT scan, MRI or lumbar puncture are usually necessary to establish a diagnosis.

Take care

[Bonne]

Hi
I was invloved in an accident where I had a spinal fusion of 5+6- in July-  The doctore went through the front and put in a cadavor bone and fused it with a tititaum plate. I also  have to wear a bone stimulator for 9 months. Now I have Mt  Reback Syndrome-   adnormal electrical implues discharging from the spinal cord- had this for about 30 years.
Last week I went to a neuroligist for a nerve conductive study test on my right arm- my shoulder is stuck- bad cramping since the surgery on the right side of my neck. Since I had the nerve test on my right arm I have been experienceing these SHARP pains  ont eh top of my head- only lasting a few seconds but coming sevral times an hour.
Did the nerve test mess up my electrical system?

[Pam112251]

I have found relief from the majority of my migraines through acupuncture.  The most important thing is to find an excellent  acupuncturist - they are not all good.  If you can find a  really good one, I think there's a very good chance he/she could be very helpful in getting rid of your ice-pick headaches.  It is well worth they try.

[justmecvd]

This is the second day that I am having intermittent pain in the left side of my head, around my ear, and above. It has come in the middle of the night and seems to appear every 10 seconds or so. I still have it at 8 am and will take Advil or Tylenol. The first time it happened, Tylenol worked.It is a sharp pain that lasts for a couple seconds. Two nights in a row! Where'd this come from? Stress? I've had no injuries...

[paty152]

I have the same type of pain sharp, on my scalp exactly as described above. Usually the scalp pain leads to pain on my temples which eventually becomes very intense. I can't even wear my glasses at this point because it aggravates the pain due to feeling tight. I really think my "head" expands and that's why my glasses are tight on the side. Unfortunately I haven't been able to obtain a diagnosis since my family doctor does not understand. I have had scans, MRI's, xrays. Usually only antiinflamatories or a deep massage to my scalp and neck.

[joy783]

I've been having headaches with the added joy of dizzy spells. It seems to get worse when i lay down. I've been given antiinflamatories and pain killers. The pain killers have worked to a degree dulling the pain rather than getting rid of it completely. I have an MRI booked but not for another 2 months. Is there anything else anyone can recommend in the mean time.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Some pain relievers can bring about rebound headaches. Take only as prescribed and it is important to identify the triggers that may be causing the headaches. Knowing what could be responsible may also help in avoiding future recurrences. There is a headache tracker here in Medhelp that may help. With regards to dizziness, this can be due to issues like lack of  blood in the brain, anemia, eye problems or blood pressure problems. Ice packs and relaxation techniques may also provide relief. Take care and do keep us posted.

[jamesb1982]

I also get very sharp pains in the top left side of my head. I also get panic attacks because of this. My doctor doesn't seem interested! Is it something serious? Thanks.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you?Was there a previous trauma to your head? Can you elaborate on the sharp pain in your head? Ice pick headaches are short, stabbing, extremely intense headaches that generally last for a few seconds. If it persists, have this checked by your doctor for proper evaluation. It is difficult to say if this is something serious at this point. Your medical history and direct clinical examination are important. The panic attacks may be managed with medication. Take care and do keep us posted.

[jamesb1982]

It sounds like Ice pick headaches but it doesn't happen often, some times I might get 2-3 sharp pains in a day, others maybe more. It's not every day and seems to get worse if I have a back ache. I've been having this going on now for about 5 years and have tried various treatments with various levels of success. About 2-3 years ago my panic attacks started mostly assoicated with chest pains but also these sharp pains in my head. My Dr hasn't been exactly helpful and since suffering from panic attacks he now puts everything down to them even if I told him my leg was turning black! (it isn't). Thank you for your quick response!

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
What tests were done?  If the headaches worsen with the presence of your back pain, the chances of musculoskeletal and neurological causes are likely. X-ray of your back and neck may rule out structural problems. Panic attacks can be treated medically but you should also have your back problems checked for proper management. Take care and best regards.

[APainInMyHead]

I have been getting sharp stabbing pains, like a lightening bold on the right hand side of my head that last a few seconds and hurt to the point of me screaming.  The pain can be felt behind my eye as well.  Although they last for a few seconds, they have been occurring every 10 minutes or so for the past 8 hours.  I have been to the neurologist already this week because I have had a different type of head ache (constant) for the past four months.  He gave me vicodin but that does nothing for this pain.  It is so severe that it wakes me from my sleep.  I have an MRI scheduled for next week.  No other symptoms other than blurry or double vision. Oh, and dizziness, but very rarely.  Any idea what it could be.  Doc says they are migraines, but I have had migraines all my life, and they have never ever felt this way.

[jaylah123]

i have the same stabbing pain and they hurt i am searching to find answers

[Dr Santos]

HI,
How are you? These can indeed be due to ice pick headaches which can also occur in patients with migraine headaches. Other possible causes can occur due to anxiety, neuralgia, stress, and even lack of sleep. Discuss this with your doctor and do keep us posted with your MRI results. Warm regards.

[sept29]

I have a constant, dull headache that easily becomes a very sharp, stabbing pain at the top, center of my head.  It started 1 1/2 weeks ago behind my left eye; a burning headache, sensitive to the touch.  It moved to the right side of my head after a couple of days, still burning.  Now it's very sharp right at the top of my head.  It significantly worsens when I raise or lower my eyebrows or wiggle my ears.  I have had nausea since the beginning and dizziness for the past week.  My doctor said it's vertigo, a sinus infection and dehydration.  He prescribed 2 different meds, but neither seem to be doing much so far (it has only been 4 days, though).  Any ideas?  Please help.  (No head injuries & relatively stress-free)

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Try to finish the prescribed medications. However, if these do not help, inform your doctor for proper management. Other differentials should also be considered such as cluster headache which  may present with pain in the vicinity of the eye associated with tearing, nose congestion, or flushing of face. Attacks occur every day for weeks, then disappear.  Take care and do keep us posted.

[NATURALMYSTIQ]

IM EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS I SPEAK. IVE HAD IT BEFORE BUT TODAY IS THE WORST. STARTED AT WORK, ABOUT 3PM. I CAME HOME AND THOUGHT I WOULD TAKE A NAP AND MAYBE THAT WOULD ALLEVIATE THE HEADACHE BUT WHEN I WOKE UP, I WAS STILL GETTING THE SHARP PAINS AND MY SCALP IS STILL TENDER. MINE IS ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY HEAD, NEAR THE TOP. IT HURTS WHEN I JUST TOUCH MY HAIR, AND THE PAIN IS SO SHARP, IT MAKES MY RIGHT EYE FLINCH. IM ABOUT TO CRY.