Ice Pick Headaches

Ice pick headaches usually produce very sharp and intense, piercing pain that commonly affects the orbit or the temples of the head. This type of headache occurs all of a sudden, and lasts hardly for a couple of seconds. The pain caused by this headache is often compared with the stabbing or jarring pain. This headache is classified as a 'primary stabbing headache' by the International Headache Society. Many times, it is also referred to as ophthalmodynia.

As mentioned already, the International Headache Society has categorized this headache as a primary stabbing headache. Primary headaches do not have an underlying cause. Unlike primary headaches, secondary headaches are known to have deeper underlying causes, like strokes or tumors.

Being a primary stabbing headache, an ice pick headache is not known to be caused by any specific disease or disorder, though it is found to have an association with both migraines and cluster headaches.

It has been observed that migraine patients are the most common sufferers of ice pick headaches. However, this headache generally occurs independently, and it does not accompany a migraine headache. According to estimates, about 40% migraine sufferers experience this headache.

Though some research have suggested that this headache may be associated with certain disorders like benign brain tumor, cranial trauma, and diseases of the blood vessels of the brain, enough conclusive evidence is not there to support this supposition.

This primary headache can be recognized by its sudden onset and brief duration. The intense and sharp pain caused by the headache does not last more than 30 seconds. The pain is usually confined to the head only. It more commonly affects the orbit, temples, and the parietal region.

Though this headache lasts only for 5 to 30 seconds, it can incapacitate the affected person during this short period. The headache can recur, sometimes several times in a single day. Other than the characteristic stabbing pain, this headache is usually not accompanied by any other symptoms.

This headache usually lasts only for a few seconds, and then subsides on its own. So, it usually resolves without any medical intervention. However, medications can be required, if the headache is recurrent in nature. Physicians usually prescribe indomethacin or Indocin for ice pick headaches.

Indomethacin is an anti-inflammatory medication, which if used for a prolonged time period can give rise to some side effects like nausea, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastric or stomach ulcers, eye problems, and bleeding problems. The long-term use of this medication can raise the risk of heart attacks and strokes in people who have heart disease.

Along with indomethacin, gabapentin is also used for recurrent headaches. Another medication used for this headache is melatonin, the neurotransmitter and the hormone that is used to treat insomnia. The common side effects associated with the intake of melatonin are, fatigue, mood changes, and dizziness.

Apart from these medications, relaxation techniques have been found to be very helpful in preventing this headache. Deep breathing relaxation techniques or exercises can help reduce the frequency and the intensity of the headache.

Since ice pick headaches last for a very short duration, maintaining a diary, or noting down the time of occurrence, as well as the duration of the headaches, can help you keep a track of this condition. This can help your physician diagnose the condition properly, and rule out the possibility of some other health conditions.

This can also be helpful in determining the triggering factors. Though ice pick headaches are not found to be associated with any major health condition, they should not remain undiagnosed. It is always better to consult your physician, rather than thinking that primary stabbing headaches are a minor problem, and would resolve on their own.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice.