Sharp Shooting Head Pain

[tych2k]

Firstly I rarely suffer from any kind of normal headaches or migraines. But for quite a while now I get these extremely sharp pains usually on one side of the head often when making a sudden movement such as turning my head to fast or something of that nature. The pain usually only lasts 5-10 seconds, but is enough to make me worry. Because it happens so infrequently I haven't worried about it to much but it does cause some underlying concern.  To put it in simple terms it feels as if my brain is being slightly torn when it happens.  Any help as to what it may be would be appreciated, thank you.

[desireedjb]

Oh ya and I also dont get eye redness or tearing i feel that my headaches sre from my neck

[desireedjb]

I'm still in the same place I've been in for years now. Now I'm just getting more depressed because it's getting harder to deal with. I'm still waiting to see a neroligist the appt. they gave me is in July. So now I had to call my doctor back to see what he can do. I also asked him if I could go to a back DR. Not only do I get those stabbing feelings that I wrote about but My neck hurts so bad everyday, I wake up with a headache and go to bed with one. My doctor seem to think it's from stress and all in my head and that I should see a counselor. I say he's crazy. I'm only stressed because I feel awful everyday and I miss having a normal life. Can you teel me what you think of my mri. and advise me what you would do? PLEASE
The MRI said:
Straingtening and minimal reversal of the expected lordosis of cervical spine often seen in patients with a low-grade strain.
C3-4: Mild unicante process hypertrophy leftward and shallow disc displatement. No compressive discopathy.
C4-5 Mild bilateral uncinate process hypertrophy, right greater than left. Minimal dics displatement: no compressive discopathy. Mild bilateral foraminal stenosis.
C5-6 Minimal subligamentous disc displacement.
C6-7 Shallow protrusion, broad based, with mild to moderate unicante process hypertrophy contributing to mild to moderate foraminal stenosis.
T1-2 Minimal disc displatement.
T12-L1-2: Endplate herniations, remote: not acute.
Minimal endplate chronic compression injury in the lower thoracic spine
Prominent flow voids and sequela of pulsation artifacts favored over vessles within the thecal sac dorsally in the upper thoracic spine.
L5-S1 Broad-based bulge. No neural effacement. Small anular tear and mild disc hight loss posterior.
L4-L5 Mild disc height loss posteriorly. Minimal disc displactment leftwoard.
L3-L4 Mild disc desication & height loss posteriorly. no HNP.
L2-L3 Mild disc desiccation. No disc displacement.
L1-L2 end plate herniation, remote No disc displatement.
What does all that mean?
Please help me :...(

[Wiggilygal]

I have had these sharp head pains for most of my life.  Yesterday I got one and I had forgotton how painful they are.  I hadn't had one in a long time.  Like other writers, it is almost paralyzing for about 10 sections with a warm sensation going down my neck.

What is it????  Each time I get one I worry about it.  Please tell me what causes this.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Your MRI results showed shallow disc protrusions at C6 and C7.This does not signify an overt slipped disc but one has to consider some degree of nerve impingement in your case. You have been complaining of tingling in your 4th and 5th digits. I suggest you push through with your neurological consult so that a complete physical and neurologic examination will be done.

A nerve impingement at C6 and C7 may present with tingling or numbness of the thumb and middle finger. In your case, one may consider a C8 nerve impingement as a differential. Headaches due to a cervical spine problem are called cervicogenic headaches. Another differential to consider here is a cluster headache. Is there associated eye redness or tearing?

Do keep us posted.

[desireedjb]

I get like a stabbing pain in my head that only last about 10-20 seconds. This pain is sudden and VERY PAINFULL. I get daily headaches, migraines 1-2 times a month.I also get this stabbing pain when I sneeze. Or when my neck cracks when I turn it. My neck is killing me. my right arm fells weak a numb tingling all the way down to my pinky and ring finger. those 2 fingres feel like theres needels in them.  I had a mri done i dont know what it means though. I have

shallow disc protrusions most notable at C6-7
reversal of the cervical  lordosis
unicante processhypertrophy contributing to foraminal stenosis
and some other stuff.

My doctor told me he dont think my back is the souce of my problems. Today I called him crying because it hurts so bad. I asked him to refer me to a nuroligist. He said he would do the paper work for me. So I'm waiting to feel better as I have been for years.

What does the mri mean?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Sharp stabbing pain may be nerve related. Were there any previous head or neck injuries? Are you engaged in any sports ?

Differentials  to consider here are cluster headache, a cervicogenic headache  and tension headaches. Just some questions:  


Are there any associated symptoms like eye redness or tearing?

Any nasal discharge?

Avoid quick movements of the neck. If your work requires you to sit for a long time then you need a chair with a seat that slightly tilts and a good back and neck support.

Do keep us posted with your answers.