Sharpshootin Pain!

About 2 and ½ weeks ago I was sitting at my computer desk in just a regular chair.  I leaned my head back and all of a sudden I had the most excruciating pain in the back of my head.  It was a sharpshooting pain, burning sensation or like thousands of needles in the back center of my head.  This lasted about 15 to 20 seconds.  I didn’t know what to do so I just put ice on my neck and head.  2 days after it woke me out of my sleep with the same pain.  This is the only times it has happen, but over the 2 weeks I’ve had headaches off and on through the days and my neck feel tired or sore.  Could anyone please help me and let me know what to do?  Thank you for your time.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Are there other signs or symptoms present? A cluster headache is one of the most painful types of headache.A cluster headache strikes quickly, usually without warning. Within minutes, excruciating pain develops. The pain of a cluster headache is often described as sharp, penetrating or burning. The pain is usually behind or around one eye and is very severe. The eye and nose on the same side as the pain may become red, swollen and runny. A cluster period generally lasts from two to 12 weeks. During a cluster period, headaches typically occur every day, sometimes several times a day. Some of the causes of cluster headaches may include: some medications, heavy smoking, an interruption in your normal sleep pattern, or problems with the hypothalamus. The goal of treatment is to help decrease the severity of pain and shorten the headache period.Because the headache peaks quickly, acute medications must be fast-acting and delivered quickly, using an injection or inhaler rather than oral tablets. Preventive medicines work well to reduce the number of headaches during cluster periods.It is important that you work with your doctor to find the right treatment for you. You can read more about this through this link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cluster-headache/DS00487

Take care and keep us posted.

[LaraF]

I had same headaches for years now. Had multiple cat scans but they show nothing. Tylenol never worked but motrin 800mg totally worked for me.
I usually start with 2x200mg motrin but it doestn help so I take 2 more tablets and ½ hour -45 min later im much better for 6 hours. My neurologist said it could be neuralgia. I think so too. I noticed that it usually happens after a stressful week.