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Sudden Sharp Pains

For the last two months I have been getting these extremely sharp pain from my left temple back about three inches above my ear. The first couple episodes lasted for seconds, then they increased to minutes. The last two episodes are what scare me. The first one lasted for five minutes in my car but it was so painful I could not concentrate on driving. If I wasn't driving in a straight line I'm afraid I would have lost control of the car. The second one (most recent) occurred while I was in class. This time unbearable pain for 15 minutes. I couldn't sit still and I wanted to smash my head in my desk. For the past six months I have been unable to wear contact lenses due to a dull pain that causes light sensitivity only when I have contacts in. In addition, two days ago I got a horrible pain in my left tricep. It was sudden & continued for several seconds, causing me to drop what was in my hand. I haven't been doing any physical activity (other than walking around campus). Yesterday I was walking down the stairs at home and completely fell out of no where. I just didn't have controlled placement of my left foot. All separate these symptoms don't really bother me. But being all on the left side & following these awful head pains I have to wonder.....are they connected & is it something serious?

I have been reading online (huge mistake I know) and sharp head pains can be caused by head injuries. Is it too much of a coincidence that I had a head concussion nine years ago in the same place? (a nail entered into my temple..but not the skull)

Migraines do run in the family (extended family) but I have no sensitivity to light (other then with contact lenses) & no other problems with headaches.  

I'm an undergraduate student with no health insurance so my mind needs to be put at rest. Thanks
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Avatar universal
Hi,

Your symptoms need urgent clinical evaluation as it is difficult to comment without a good clinical exam.
The possibilities can be migraine, stroke or nerve compression. The symptoms of migraine and stroke are very similar and usually involve one side of the body. Migraine can occur in a variety of different ways. Light sensitivity or headache may or may not be a feature of migraine.
Have you been able to identify a trigger for your symptoms? It is also important to get your BP checked.
Please find a free clinic if you can in you area and get a clinical evaluation done. Let us know if you have any other questions.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the same thing. First, i would contact your doctor. If he or she doesnt listen, then keep looking for someone who does. Second, it might be stress related. That is what the doctors tell me. I believe it, but that cant be the only reason. I'm still trying to find out what is wrong with me too.
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