Localized sharp piercing pain in head lasting a few seconds
I am experiencing a sharp, piercing pain in my head that only lasts for a few seconds at a time. The pain is so excrutiating that it is dabilitating. The pain comes completely out of the blue, and is unprovoked. It will last for anywhere from 2-5 or so seconds then will generally go away completely, as if it never happened. Occasionally, a lingering dull pain will remain in that spot, or migrate to the front of my head, but not always. They are very sporadic. I will have these episodes every few minutes, or hours. Sometimes this will go on for a few hours, all day, for several days, or even weeks. Then I will not have the pain again for a few days, weeks, or even months. VERY SPORADIC. I have read other forums and looked into sharp pain that lasts only a few seconds and all articles I am finding describe sharp pains that occur in localized spots in the head but these spots seem to move with the episodes. So for example, one episode will be located on top of the head and one behind the eye. Or generally on one side of the head more frequently than the other, however, still suggesting it does not always occur in the same spot. My episodes are ALWAYS in the same spot at the back bottom left side of my head. I did not start getting this pain until after I was in a car accident 11 years ago. I had 2 closed head injuries that left me in a coma for 10 days. I never followed up with a neurologist due to some insurance issues we ran into, not to mention, I was only 16 and was recovering from a shattered pelvis (5 plates and 18 pins :-/). These pains were very infrequent for several years but over the last few years they have become more frequent and more dabilitating. Has anyone experienced anything like this following head trauma? I've read that it is possible to develop aneuyrisms with closed head injuries, however, aneuryisms do not generally have these types of syptoms (at least not until they rupture, at which point they could become fatal and the syptoms are said to be much more severe). If you have experienced anything like this, your input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Re: Localized sharp peircing pain in head lasting a few seconds
Hello,
I read your post and I am experiencing the same kind of extremely sharp piercing pain in the bottom left corner of my head, and it occurs in that spot every time! The episodes are very sporadic, but you better believe when it does happen I have to stop whatever I'm doing and bare through it. Randomly I'll experience a slight tingling sensation in that same spot with no pain. I started experiencing this pain after a kayaking trauma to my head, and although it only knocked me unconscious for a few seconds, I never followed up with a doctor because I didn't have health insurance, and I still don't. I have no idea what it is, but I need to address this because I have a feeling it could get worse within the next few years.
Re: Localized sharp peircing pain in head lasting a few seconds
I to have also experienced these sharp piercing pains in my head. I have had migraines since I was 18 years old...and I am now 39. As the years go on, they get worse. I was never in a trauma, I just started getting migraines. But as I said, I do get these pains that you describe. Mine are usually always in the front of my head, behind my eyes and on my forehead. I have recently had a CT scan, an MRI and an MRA...which all came back clean. I had all these tests bc my migraines were getting worse. I take 400mg of Topomax a day to help keep my migraines away. For the most part it works...but for the last few months, I have been having headaches again...so it's back to the neurologist again for more meds. Hope this helps.
Re: Localized sharp peircing pain in head lasting a few seconds
Localized episodic pain in the back of the head after an auto accident is highly suggestive of cervicogenic headache, particulary a form known as occipital neuralgia. These pain episodes often occur months to years after trauma, and there may be no findings in a CT or MRI. Nerve pain can be very difficult to treat, so don't get discouraged. Try to find a pain management doctor in a pain clinic setting, especially one associated with a teaching hospital.
Re: Localized sharp peircing pain in head lasting a few seconds
I have something very similar to this. At random times a sharp, stabbing painful sensation will happen at a random spot on my head. It's such a sharp sudden pain that it usually makes me jump a little. It will last for just a few seconds then usually completely subside. It's often on the left side of my head but sometimes the right, and occasionally the top. It almost feels as though the pain is coming from deeper within my head rather than closer to the surface, its a bit difficult to explain. I have anxiety and subconsciously clench my jaw very often and clack my teeth together as kind of a nervous tick i guess. This leads to a lot of jaw stiffness and tension in the muscles on the sides of my head around my temples. But that tension is much less severe and and a different feeling than the sharp pains so I'm not sure if the two are related at all. The sharp stabbing sensations do seem to occur more frequently when my anxiety is worse such as if I'm in a stressful situation. I really don't have much of an idea what could cause the sharp sudden pains that last only a few seconds but I hope it's nothing to worry about. I was just very intrigued reading your post as it sounded very similar to what I experience. I wish I could tell you more about what might be causing it but I'm kinda in the same boat with you. Good Luck.
Re: Localized sharp peircing pain in head lasting a few seconds
Quote:
Originally Posted by muppetbeeby
Hello,
I read your post and I am experiencing the same kind of extremely sharp piercing pain in the bottom left corner of my head, and it occurs in that spot every time! The episodes are very sporadic, but you better believe when it does happen I have to stop whatever I'm doing and bare through it. Randomly I'll experience a slight tingling sensation in that same spot with no pain. I started experiencing this pain after a kayaking trauma to my head, and although it only knocked me unconscious for a few seconds, I never followed up with a doctor because I didn't have health insurance, and I still don't. I have no idea what it is, but I need to address this because I have a feeling it could get worse within the next few years.
This sounds like occipital neuralgia. The trauma to your head injured one of your occipital nerves.
Re: Localized sharp piercing pain in head lasting a few seconds
I have. I end up going to the hospital if they get so bad i start screaming or shaking. All they do is give me benedril or morphine through an IV and a $150 bill. I suggest seeing a headache specialist. They take a while to get into but it is definitely worth it. My diagnosis is basilar migraines, but I have way more symptoms than just the sharp pains. Definitely see a specialist though.
The Following User Says Thank You to majohnso22 For This Useful Post: red65 (09-05-2012)
Re: Localized sharp piercing pain in head lasting a few seconds
I been having the same thing happening to me. And I have been to a neoligist. and they didn't find anything. And mine is staying longer. Like hours now.like right now i have had the pains for 3 days.
Re: Localized sharp piercing pain in head lasting a few seconds
Hello ,
I've been experiencing the same pain but on the right side of my head though. Feeling like someone is continuously stabbing the side of my head with a knife. The pains last from seconds to minutes and can happen at least 15 or more times a day. Sometimes it last for a week and goes away for maybe a month or so, but it always seems to come back. I'm only 15 and I've already been having these pains for a about a year or so. They sometimes get to the point where I have to stop whatever I'm doing because I'm in so much pain. They started happing after I was hit in the face playing basketball, while I thought it was a concussion, but the doctors said it wasn't it. They also told me that they couldn't find anything wrong, even if there is nothing wrong I don't want to deal with this any longer or for the rest of my life. If anyone has an idea on what it could possibly be that would be great. Thanks.
Re: Localized sharp piercing pain in head lasting a few seconds
Look up - "Ice pick headaches" these last for seconds and are a sharp pain.
Likewise, rebound headaches - over use of medication
Also - Depression can bring on the same symptoms through lack of sleep.
However - Antidepressants or benzo can worsen and make it constant pain.
Likewise you could suffer a whole host of severe side effects. People have ended up having ECT to get rid of the pain, regretting it and ending up with memory problems and full depression.
Re: Localized sharp piercing pain in head lasting a few seconds
This pain sounds like occipital neuralgia or another form of cervicogenic headache, which may be related to neck trauma that could have occurred when you were hit in the head with the basketball. Whatever the reason, your pain certainly sounds like nerve pain, so I would ask the doctors to treat you assuming that a nerve injury occurred. You may need to see a neurologist or pain management doctor, possibly in a pain clinic. Nerve injuries often do not show up on x-rays, CT scans, or even MRIs, so the diagnosis is frequently made on the basis of symptoms. Sharp stabbing pains that come and go are classic signs of nerve injury, and a good doctor will treat you accordingly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kass98
Hello ,
I've been experiencing the same pain but on the right side of my head though. Feeling like someone is continuously stabbing the side of my head with a knife. The pains last from seconds to minutes and can happen at least 15 or more times a day. Sometimes it last for a week and goes away for maybe a month or so, but it always seems to come back. I'm only 15 and I've already been having these pains for a about a year or so. They sometimes get to the point where I have to stop whatever I'm doing because I'm in so much pain. They started happing after I was hit in the face playing basketball, while I thought it was a concussion, but the doctors said it wasn't it. They also told me that they couldn't find anything wrong, even if there is nothing wrong I don't want to deal with this any longer or for the rest of my life. If anyone has an idea on what it could possibly be that would-be great. Thanks.
Re: Localized sharp piercing pain in head lasting a few seconds
I had sharp electrical stabbing pain on the LHS near top middle of head. They lasted no longer than 3 seconds - and only happened once every three months - so were forgotten as quickly as they arose. However my sleep wasn't great 5-1/2 hours on average. I went to GP and was given temazepam - 2 days later I suffered severe psychosis i believe in the bath. This was changed to a Z drug. 2 -4 weeks later it felt like an explosion in the back of my head - constant severe head pain came on instantly. I kept on walking and it felt like the top of my head on both sides of the brain were ripped off & sore. Anxiety set in a bit. More diazepam was prescribed and the pain got worse, plus memory loss set in and derealization also. Antidepressants made it even worse, stomach problems and much more. Lorazepam & temazepam were used more and more and raised in prescription, this went on for 7 months. The doctors turn something quite mild into something very severe with depression. I went private and had ECT - this got rid of the pain briefly - but caused other problems like memory loss and a worsening of symptoms. Having been on medication with no positive results or benefits, i weaned myself of them, knowing that if not tapered this causes horrid discontinuation side effects which I suffered at the hands of the doctors. The pain went once of the medication! Years of side effects start & discontinuation and paid for tests & MRI / CAT scans. Avoid Benzo. I better than I was, but not a good as I was before seeing a GP. I wish I'd lived with these brief icepick headaches - The result for not doing so is a ruined life & a nightmare of poor doctors / treatment.
Re: Localized sharp peircing pain in head lasting a few seconds
Quote:
Originally Posted by IndyGirl1
This sounds like occipital neuralgia. The trauma to your head injured one of your occipital nerves.
I've read some of these posts and most accurately describe what I have. Very sharp pain for a couple of seconds in the same spot at the back lower left part of my head. I'm online now because I'm presently experiencing these little demons. I have them fairly often, maybe every other week. Very sharp but just last for a second or two, but they come every minute or so. Don't really recall how long they last. I'm a fit 69 yr old runner who takes no meds and have never had a head injury . I'm going to try meth. KIDDING
Re: Localized sharp peircing pain in head lasting a few seconds
It is possible for the affected nerve to have been damaged by something other than trauma (for example, disease, nutrient deficiency, etc.). A neurologist may be able to help you, though many people have gotten better results through a pain management physician - especially in a pain clinic setting.
Good luck to you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by hurtslikehades
I've read some of these posts and most accurately describe what I have. Very sharp pain for a couple of seconds in the same spot at the back lower left part of my head. I'm online now because I'm presently experiencing these little demons. I have them fairly often, maybe every other week. Very sharp but just last for a second or two, but they come every minute or so. Don't really recall how long they last. I'm a fit 69 yr old runner who takes no meds and have never had a head injury . I'm going to try meth. KIDDING
The Following User Says Thank You to jverive For This Useful Post: hurtslikehades (08-27-2012)
Re: Localized sharp piercing pain in head lasting a few seconds
It's related heavily to sinuses too. This may sound weird but, if you block the airway for the opposite side of your head that you have the headache on, your body will clear it up on its own. For example: the headache's on the left side, so stick a tissue in your right nostril. Make sure you can't breathe at all through your right nostril, and your body will naturally clear up your left airway. This is at the very least a temporary fix. It worked for me anyway. It seemed to come from air only going through a certain part of my nasal passages but not all of it. This makes everything flow more evenly. Acupuncture is how I got past it. It IS the oldest form of medicine after all.
Localized sharp piercing pain in head lasting a few seconds 
