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This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury
sharp pain in back of head, headaches
by wtp, Jun 18, 2008 05:38PM
I've been experiencing a dull headache for the past 6 days. On top of that, when I bend over, pick something up, cough, etc., I have been feeling sharp shooting pains in the back of my head. I went to my college health center yesterday. The nurse talked to me about my symptoms and checked my reflexes. She also did an eye exam. She decided that the pain was probably muscular. She prescribed some pain meds and told me to come back in 2 weeks if I am still feeling pain. I had already been taking 600 mg of ibuprofen two times a day before going to the health center. None of the pain medicine has worked. I realize that I haven't given the stronger pain pills much time (only 24 hours) to work, but I'm really worried about the pain. I've never experienced anything like this before. I've had neck, upper back, etc., pain before, but have never had symptoms like this. The sharp shooting pains happen about 5-6 times a day and feel like a shock or jab.
Member Comments (2)
by PaulMD, Jun 19, 2008 01:52AM
, Jun 19, 2008 01:52AM
These pains that you are experiencing can have a variety of causes. The first is that this can be due to some form of spinal nerve compression. This would most commonly result in the shooting pain that you are experiencing. This can usually be worked up with an MRI test of the spine. Primary nerve problems, like early manifestations of ALS or MS may also present with this type of pain. this can be assessed by tests like EMG (electromyography) or NCV (nerve conduction velocity).
by wtp, Jun 19, 2008 07:07AM
To: PaulMD
I read online about the spinal nerve compression, and it appeared that it sometimes is caused by a muscle spasm or strain. Is that correct? If so - should I go ahead and continue the treatment (the pain pills and stretching) that the nurse prescribed? Or should I take this more seriously and go back and ask for her to check on these other things?
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