Ice Pick Headaches?

Updated on May 28, 2013
S.K. asks from Castle Rock, CO
8 answers

does anyone else get ice pick headaches? This is the third time I've had something like this in 4 years and I know the first two times were caused by bright light and loud noises (2 hours of drilling and staring into the dentist light, and sitting super close to a firework show) Not sure what caused this episode. Anyway, it doesnt hurt unless I stand up from sitting or laying right when i am fully up it feels like someone is stabbing my eye. Or if I cough or yawn that will usually spur the little miner behind my eyeball. I did mention it to my dr and all I got was "huh thats weird" Today is day 3 and it is a little better than it was yesterday and the day before but it still hurts when I stand up. Does anyone else get these? does it sound more like a cluster headache? And if you do get them what do you do to help the pain? Also the pain only lasts a few seconds before it subsides and I can walk or do whatever it is without pain until I sit down or bend over.

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So What Happened?

I am 33 and have always had great blood pressure.

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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

Sounds like a migrain to me. I have to take perscription meds for mine. But if you don't get them that often they probably would tell you use excedrin. It's asprin and caffine together.

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C.V.

answers from Columbia on

How is your blood pressure? How old are you?

I think it's worth a trip to your PCP to dig into why you would get these rare headaches. Yes, it could be a migraine. And it could not.

ETA: I would make an appointment with your doctor.

As a medic, I would ask you the following questions, some of which you've already answered. You don't have to answer them here....but do go through them and consider the answers, as these are the questions your doctor is going to ask you....and the answers might help YOU to figure out just what's going on.

1. When did it start? Not just this instance, but the very first time you had a headache like this. Was it exactly the same?
2. What were you doing then? Does anything seem to make it happen? - You said loud noises, lights....but what about anxiety inducing situations? Any issues with anxiety?
3. Describe the pain. What does it feel like and where is it specifically? - You said "ice pick pain" behind the eye. Only one eye?
4. Does the pain go anywhere else? Where?
5. On a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the very worst pain you've ever felt, how would you rate your current pain? What WAS the worst pain you've ever felt in the past caused by?
6. Could you be pregnant? When was your last menstrual period?
7. Do you have any allergies?
8. Take any medications, vitamins, or supplements? What for? Are you aware of all of their side effects?
9. Do you have anything in your past medical history that would be related to this issue?
10. When/what was the last thing you ate or drank?
11. Tell me about the events that led to you having this pain. What were you doing? Where were you?

Best,

C.

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Z.B.

answers from Toledo on

I was also going to say migraine. I've never had one, but my husband gets them occasionally. He says his are no where near as debilitating as many we've heard about from others. But they are migraines, nonetheless.

Can't hurt to talk to your doctor.

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D..

answers from Miami on

You might have a migraine in your eye. I had one for the first time, getting up in 3 hours after going to bed to go pick up kids from the prom. Except it didn't present as an ice pick headache - one of my eyes was blurry for 20 minutes. I happened to have an eye exam a week later and asked my doctor about it, and she is the one who told me this.

She said that if it happened again, to come in and be seen. I recommend that you go NOW to your eye doctor (an opthamologist), especially since this is lasting so long...

Good luck.

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M.L.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I had to look at this question because, when I read the title, I thought, "Well, of course, an ice pick in your head will make it ache!"

It does sound like it might be a little migraine. Migraines come in various sizes. But, even if it isn't, you don't want to mess around with your head because you'll never be able to get a replacement for it. I'd check with the doctor and ask him to check it if I were you. Give him more detail about the episodes, and tell him you're very concerned.

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L.B.

answers from New York on

Sounds like a type of migraine, but if your regular doctor dismisses you, I think a neurologist is the type of specialist you want.

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J.C.

answers from New York on

It could be something allergy related. Since the triggers are still around - the headaches aren't subsiding.

Are you taking anything for the pain? Can you rest? I'd take some Advil (like 3) and perhaps an antihistamine. See if that helps at all. And of course, rest in a dark room as much as possible. Try not to strain your eyes. Perhaps listen to music or a podcast.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

Now, while you're having them, call and talk with your doctor. I suggest that he may be able to check various things while you're having them that he wouldn't have an idea about when you're just telling him about them.

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