Sudden Ice Pick Headache With Vision-Loss,Light Sensitivity?

[Kathlen__0]

  : Hi CCF,  I have a previous history of migraine attacks but never experienced a headache of this nature.  I was at work during this attack.  I suddenly experienced severe ice pick headache pain on top of head and behind left eye that left me with temporary vision loss in left eye plus sensitivity to light.  I have know further symptoms with these headaches.  I have had three attacks today.  I don't know what could possibly cause it.  My left eye is still really painful behind it with blurred vision and sensitivity to light.  Does this sound like a classic migraine or aura?
  : Thanks, Sincerely, Kathleen Smith
Dear Kathleen Smith:
Sorry to hear about your headaches.  I have some concern because it sounds like this is a new migraine type.  Usually a person has only one type (maybe two if there is some conversion) but this is very different than your ordinary type of migraine.  I would recommend that you see your neurologist.  What you describe is a classic type of ophthalmoplegic migraine.  This is a steady, gnawing, boring, eye pain; involvement of the nerves of the cavernous sinus, symptoms lasting days or weeks with spontaneous remission with recurrent attacks occurring after month or years.  But, this is a new type for you, and we as neurologist always try and rule out the possible bad players that could give you symptoms that you describe.  We would try and rule out the possibility of a berry aneurysm or chronic sinusitis with a mucocele.  I would see your neurologist and get a good neurological exam and possible MRI of your head. Ignore this if this is the second message that I have sent to you, my computer just did something
strange.  Let us know if we can help you in any way.
Sincerely,
CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS