Pain In Back of Head

[jamieg913]

I've had a shooting, dull pain in the back of my head for over a week.  I don't have any back pain or other symptoms.  The pain happens everytime I swallow.  It can be present for hours at a time, and then go away for hours.  Any ideas?  

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Shooting pain at the back of the head indicates neuralgia it is possible that this is occipital neuralgia. What makes the pain  go away? Does it go away on its own or do you have to take medications for it. I would advise you to take OTC pain killers, eat regularly, sleep for atleast eight hrs and maintain hydration. If the pain is still there please schedule an appointment with a doctor for complete clinical examination.

[jamieg913]

It happens only part of the time.  I can go for hours sometimes, without the shooting pain; but then it can last for hours as well.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

Does the pain occur each time you swallow and does this take place 100% of the time? You have noted the pain to be shooting yet dull in the back of your head. Differentials here will be a musculoskeletal or arthritic pain or it may be cervicogenic in origin. You also need to have your throat assessed. A complete ENT examination may be necessary to rule out involvement of these structures.