Please Read, Unbearable Pain!

[kjdandjbd]

I am posting this question here because I wasn't exactly sure where it belonged. For the past week I have had this off and on intense shooting pain slightly above and behind my left ear. I have noticed it has two different modes. Some light throbbing pain (sporadically and only lasting three to five seconds) almost every day at that spot, and then about every three days I have no pain at all and then it hits me so hard that I cry out. It feels like someone is driving a nail into my head. I can feel it pulsing and throbbing when it happens. It is the most intense pain I have ever had, and frankly that scares me. The intense pain only lasts about three seconds thank goodness. But during it I feel like I am going to die at that moment. I had migranes as a child and a teenager (I am 24 now) but nothing like this level of pain or at this spot on my head. My husband says I should go to the doctor if I still have it next week. Should I go? Does it sound like something serious? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Since you have a long history of migraines, it is quite possible what you are having are ice pick headaches. Icepick headaches are sudden sharp headaches which come out of nowhere and last for few seconds.
These headaches are common in migraineurs. Indomethacin has been found to be quite effective in controlling ice pick headaches. I would suggest you to please consult a headache specialist for the same. Do keep us posted.

[kjdandjbd]

Thank you for replying! I will look up ice pick headaches, thank you so much! I was so scared it was something more serious!

[sunflower4586]

Also look up Cluster migraines, I suffered with them for over 30 years, and still have them on occasion.  I now have headaches daily from the back of my head to the side the was always affected by the clusters, and now to the right forhead as well, daily.  I cannot sleep or do any activies.. I am 55

[kjdandjbd]

Thank you, I will look up cluster headaches. I hope your headaches get resolved soon.