sharp pains on the left side of my head

[stevie327]

I sometimes experience a sharp headache like pain on the left side of my head and I cannot move.  The pain is exquisite and I pray for it to stop.  I have cerebral arteriosclerosis but I take Neurontin.  Is this possibly a symptom of a mild form of epilepsy?

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
It is very difficult to tell without examination if the headache is a symptom of mild form of epilepsy or not. Sometimes headache is the only symptom of seizure along with positive EEG findings, but it is very rare. Headaches occur more commonly after seizures.
http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1063754930
Do you have a history of epilepsy?
I would suggest you to discuss this with your neurologist and undergo EEG testing to make sure this headache are indeed epilepsy.

[stevie327]

Thank you for the response, but it really didn't answer my question.  I am a lay person and the medical terms you describe I do not understand.

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi

Headache may be associated with epileptic seizures. It can occur before, during or after a seizure. It generally gets unnoticed due to the more prominent neurologic manifestations of seizure.

Preictal and ictal headaches are generally of short duration. Rarely a headache may be a sign of an impending seizure.  It is then considered pre-ictal and is a type of aura. They are generally brief and throbbing, steady, or sharp. The post-ictal headache is more generalized and can be steady or throbbing, lasting anywhere from few hours to even longer. Patients with epilepsy also have a higher chance of having migraine and cluster headaches.

You should consult your doctor while having an attack of such headaches. Hope it helps.