Stabbing Pain in Head

Headache causes a lot of discomfort. A person suffering from headache finds it impossible to work, sleep, or perform any activity whatsoever. There are different types of headaches caused due to different reasons. Minor headaches can be caused due to a hangover, lack of sleep, excess sleep or stress. However, there can also be severe conditions that may lead to intense headaches.

Migraine is characterized by a severe throbbing headache experienced in only one side of the head. The exact cause of a migraine is unknown. However, there are several trigger factors like stress, odors, food, alcohol, sleep disorders, etc., that result in a migraine.

Ice pick headache is a term used to refer to a condition marked by shooting pain in head that comes and goes. This can be caused due to migraine, cluster headaches or multiple sclerosis. In some cases, along with a headache, other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, vertigo, etc., are also experienced.

Meningitis is the disease caused due to inflammation of the meninges or membranes of the brain by virus or bacteria. Meningitis is more common among babies and children than adults. Sharp, stabbing pain in head, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, etc., are some of the symptoms of meningitis.

Brain tumor is one of the most severe causes of sudden stabbing headache. It is defined as an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of tissue inside the skull. The tumor can be malignant or benign. The exact cause of brain tumor is unknown. Sudden headaches along with confusion and seizures are identifying signs of a brain tumor.

Apart from these, sinusitis, brain cancer, coital cephalalgia, spinal or vascular headache, encephalitis, etc., are the other potential causes. A person suffering from sharp pain in head, that persists for more than a couple of hours, should consult the doctor immediately.

The doctor may advice X-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc., to diagnose the condition. It is essential to identify the trigger factors of migraine in order to prevent it. Avoiding exposure to trigger factors, medications, relaxation techniques, etc., are the various methods used for headache relief in case of a migraine.

Treatment of ice pick headaches also involves the aforementioned methods like use of medication drugs and relaxation techniques. Treatment of meningitis depends on the underlying cause. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with the help of antibiotics whereas bed rest and intake of fluids is essential to get rid of viral meningitis.

Brain tumor treatment depends on whether the tumor is malignant or benign. The traditional treatment method includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

As seen before, all the potential causes are severe medical conditions, therefore, one should not ignore severe head pain. One should remember that the above mentioned conditions can be treated if timely treatment is undertaken. Take care!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this story is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.