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Stabbing head pain-occipital neuralgia?

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Posted 12/11/2007 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all, I am from the UC forum but have been diagnosed with something called occipital neuralgia. I have had hedaches all of my life, migraines for the past 8 years, and now Occipital Neuralgia. THIS, occipital neuralgia is entirely different than any headache I have experienced. The pain is just insane, but it may only be briefly, like for 3-10 seconds. HERE is where i am needing some help. On the WEB I find the pain for this diagnosis as being located in the posterior neck region. MINE is right on top of my head on the LEFT side...nothing in the neck area at all. Anyone familiar with this, or any referrals? Thanks, D
Posted 12/11/2007 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Deacon Blues,

Sorry to hear you are having these headaches. Who diagnosed the Occipital Neuralgia, was it you GP or a Neurologist?

Do you have any mild pain in the back of your neck all the time, or any discomfort there at all? Do you have any other symptoms with these headaches like a watery eye and blocked nose on the affected side?

I am asking these questions because there is another condition called SUNCT (Short-lasting Unilateral Neuralgiform Conjunctival Injection Tearing). It has some similarities with Clusterheadache but the attacks are very short lasting from 5 seconds to 4 minutes with a stabbing pain. But I am not a Doctor so I could well be wrong, it just sounded similar to me.

take care

Ann
Posted 12/11/2007 10:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hey there,
First, I'm wondering, what exactly is it that led your doctor to the diagnosis of occipital neuralgia? As far as I know, generally this diagnosis is made based on the site of the pain and it does not sound like your pain is occurring in an area covered by the occipital nerves. The nerve centers are located in the left and the right of the posterior neck (as you're running your hand up the back of your neck, the nerves are just about right where you feel the protrusion of the skull) but the nerve fibers extend generally up the entire back of the head. So, where exactly on the top of your head is this pain? From your description, it sounds like it may be closer to the superorbital nerves, located centrally behind the eyebrows. These nerve fibers extend up the head to about an inch or two above the hairline. Another possibility could be the temporal nerve, which would run up the side of your head to about the same plane at which the superorbital nerve fibers stop. If it's truly on top of your head, out of the reach of these nerves, it's unlikely that you're experiencing neuralgia.

One good way to tell, however, is to numb the nerves (occipital, temporal, superorbital, or any combination) and see if the pain ceases. This is easily done via nerve block (injection of anesthetic into areas adjacent to the nerve).

Lastly, what sort of doctor made this diagnosis?

Good luck,
Ben
Posted 12/12/2007 2:57 AM (GMT 0)
Here are a few details. My family Doctor told me that is was due to the occipital nerve...maybe an impingement in the neck somewhere? He did not exactly diagnose "occipital neuralgia"...sorry for the incorrect info. I just arrived at what it "might" be. I don't know much about this and have been looking for a description of my particular symptoms. My pain Is DIRECTLY ON TOP OF MY HEAD, maybe 1-1/2 inches to the left side. Just anterior to the center of my skull. It is not near the neck, No neck pain, no watery eyes, no blocked nose.

from post: "From your description, it sounds like it may be closer to the superorbital nerves, located centrally behind the eyebrows. These nerve fibers extend up the head to about an inch or two above the hairline" THIS sounds pretty similar as to location I think.

So, it is INTENSE pain that is just anterior of center, to the left side maybe 1-1/2 inches. The sensation is like a "stabbing" pain I guess, can't get a better word for how "sharp" it is. When it hits I have to stop everything . It lasts 2-7 seconds I think. When I am standing and it happens I kinda buckle my knees and wince noticably. I am just trying to find out more. I may have to go back and see if he can refer me to a neurologist perhaps. My Doctor did offer a nerve block as a remedy. I don't know if I like the idea of blocking nerves...Thanks for any advice. D.
Posted 12/12/2007 4:55 AM (GMT 0)
As far as nerve blocks go, you'll only feel the numbness for about an hour, though the relief (if any) can last weeks. It's nothing permanent. I'll look into the other details of your condition, but seeing a neuro is a good idea.
Posted 2/8/2008 5:12 AM (GMT 0)
Any news on this subject as I just started to get the same pains on the top of my head. My first pain started when I was watching the super bowl. The pain took me to my knees , and have had a headache on top of my head ever since not nearly as bad but I know it is there. I do not have neck pains neither ,but when the big one comes on it takes me to my knees and i cant do nothing for almost 30sec's.only had 2 really awful headaches in the last 5 days.

So please any info would be wonderful.THANK YOU

Post Edited (AllenD) : 2/8/2008 12:11:24 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 2/15/2008 1:28 AM (GMT 0)
I have had occipital neuralgia on three separate occasions (I have a vulnerable nerve segment behind and beneath my left ear that gets repeatedly irritated).  In my experience, the ON symptoms were very different from standard headaches.  With ON, I did have periodic headaches, but they were mostly on the mild/moderate side and mainly in the back of the head, though occasionally on top or in the front.  The classic ON symptom, for me, was the nearly constant pinprick/itching/tingling sensation all over my scalp.  Another less frequent ON symptom was a headache that was accompanied by an intense feeling of a sunburn sensation on the back of my head and neck.  At times it would feel as if my brain itself was on fire, at other times there would be a very brief but frightening sensation as if burning water was plunging down over the back of my brain towards my neck.   I have heard other ON sufferers mention these feelings as well.  Not sure if this is helpful or not, but I thought you might find it useful to compare symptoms. 

Posted 2/25/2008 6:55 PM (GMT 0)
D, my son was diag. with UC in 1984 thats when his migranes started, now 33 and disabled due to this constant migraine 24/7 for the last 8 years. I wonder if there is a connection with the stomach or intestinal track to migraines. I read so much from this sight it gets confusing at times and I'm not on topamax.but I agree topamax has all these side effects like feeling stupid and a lost for words which makes it hard to talk with dr's because they think your just abusing drugs. sat. we were coming out of walmart and there was a man collecting for drug abuse for teenagers, my son stoped to give a donation and my husband said to him you abuse enough drugs on your own. isn't that what it sounds like trying to find that medicine to make the pain go away, my son is almost hopeless but I will not give up or let him give up. thanks to everyone for these stories I only hope the pain that you feel will just go away and never return,bless all of you and don't give up!!!!!
Posted 3/5/2008 2:23 AM (GMT 0)
I have the same pain on the top of my head but to the right. I can produce the headache by pressing on the spot. I went to a neuro and he dx me with "ice pick" migraines. I am on Gabipentin and it has helped but I still get them. The cause is due to an artery that has narrowed.

Have you had an MRI of the head?

Good luck

Christy

Posted 8/13/2008 6:48 PM (GMT 0)

Hello,

I found your site because I'm also suffering from the same painful intermittent stabbing on the right side of my head. I have a friend who is an acupuncturist but living in another state. I gave her a call, described my symptoms and she told me to use accupressure by massaging and pressing on the spot between my eyebrows, also putting some pressure in the areas of my temples on both sides AND another spot would be the meaty area between my big toes and the one next to it. I told her I was at work but she stated I could just kick off my shoes and rub in between the two toes with the heal of my other foot. I tried this and it seems to have worked. I don't know how long it will last but that was easy enough to handle and I can now work without the pain.....what the heck? Give it a try and good luck! 

Posted 8/13/2008 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
I am glad I have found this website. From time to time over several years, I have had a pain in the top of the right side of my head..not a headache, but like someone is stabbing me with an ice pick. It started again this morning. I was at one time diagnosed with shingles but do not think that was it at all. Because the same pain would come again and again. I can touch the spot on my head and it is sore to the touch. I can feel pressure behind my eyes and they feel weak. There is an occasional burning sensation also.  I do have stiffness in my neck and at this time have a muscle knotted in one spot on the left side of my back. That started first. My Mom is in hospital and I told him this morning about my pain and he said it sounded like neuralgia. Guess I need to make another appt. BUt first I am calling my massage therapist and have a deep tissue massage on my back and neck. I have often wondered if it was an artery in my head. Time to go back to doc.
Posted 10/30/2008 3:50 PM (GMT 0)

Deacon Blues,

Did you ever find out the source of the intense pain on the top of your head/brain?  It describes exactly what dropped me to my knees last night and I am very worried and curious as to what it may be.  It was not a headache!!

help!

Posted 11/20/2008 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
I just came across this post, and I was wondering if anyone had anymore insight onto these types of headaches? I've been having the same 'stabbing' ones for the past 5 months, but mine are a little bit more differant and move around my head, and I get them atleast 5 to 6 times a day. They hurt REALLY bad and will end up making me cry sometimes. My doctor is having me take topamax now, and being a 15 year old taking that isn't much fun when people at school are like 'ha you can't talk right'. And I've had MRI's and stuff like that... Anyway, if anyone knew anything about this type of headache that would be great...
Posted 2/17/2009 9:21 PM (GMT 0)

My Mum has had MIgraine for as long as I can remember.  She has had lots of problems with other things over the last few years including asthma and heart problems.  Just recently she has noticed that she gets severe stabbing pains on one side of her head which is just above the ear.  She tells me its very intense.  I told her that I get the same problem if I go out into the cold etc.  It became so bad that her doctor sent her for a scan and they told her that its like a type of athritis in the head.  I have searched hi and low and cant find any such thing.  Ive looked at this forum and have seen very similar things in all that you all say.  I was just wondering if anyone thinks her doc is right in saying its arthritis.  He has given her a specal anti inflam...  which is used in people with arthritis and she says it seems to work but she has also found that she is getting terrible migraine too, almost like she did when she was younger.  Does anyone have any idea what Im going on about ????? !!!!!

LIZ. redface

Posted 3/14/2009 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
For two years now I have had quick, sharp stabbing pains on the left side of my head, in the back just above the ear. They are twinges of pain, over almost as I register them. I have tried eliminating things from my diet and stress causers; caffeine, red wine, dairy....I even moved. They have become more frequent, up to 20 a day. I have seen a Neurologist and had an MRI done that showed nothing unusual. A massage therapist found a very tight muscle, trigger point at the base of my skull but on the right side. When she moved my head while pushing there I had a spasm. I am hoping that once she loosens this muscle up I will stop having them. I do not get many head aches and have never had a migraine.
Posted 3/30/2009 6:16 AM (GMT 0)
I am a 46 year old female. I have always been very active & very healthy. 4 years ago I got a terrible headache on the left side of my head. I had never had many headaches (except with pregnancy). After more than a week of not being able to get rid of it, I went to the doctor. I got a shot of demerol that killed the headache for about 4 hours until the demerol wore off. THen the headache was back. Then I got a prescription for lortab. Same story, I could get rid of the headache until the drugs wore off. 4 months later, I still had the "headache", which by then I had come to classify as "headpain" not a general headache. Then I was hospitalized for a week on a morphine drip trying to get rid of the "migraine" as all the dr.s kept calling it. I had multiple cat scans, MRI's, and every battery of tests imaginable. Over the course of the next month, I was hospitalized 5 more times trying to get rid of this left sided head pain. I was put under the care of a neurologist during the first hospital stay. I have been on topamax, axert, zomig, toradol, compazine iv drips,
beta blockers, antidepressants in low doses, neurontin, depakote and whole bunch of other things. At the end of that year, I still couldn't get rid of the pain for more than a few hours. !8 months later I finally had to retire from my job as a labor and delivery RN. The topomax made me feel that I Couldn't give safe care. After all of these drugs, I didn't even know who I was anymore and I still had this headpain. I saw more doctors than I can count. Ultimately I was able to see a world-reknown Professor of Neurosurgery from Switzerland at the University of Arkansas. I have an inoperable "angioma" located near the speech center. It was on the very first cat scan and all of the MRI's yet it was never mentioned to me. I saw at least 5 neurologist. Initially all of them told me the MRIs were "normal" and I was just having a prolonged "migraine".
Basically the "angioma" is almost like a cluster of varicose veins. After 3 years had gone by and I still had the same "headache", I stopped seeing all of the neurologist and stopped all of the drugs. I found a doctor that specializes in pain treatment. Now I take 30 mg of Methadone daily. For breakthrough pain I take 20mg of Norco. While I hate having to take this type of drugs, I do have a life once again. My pain is so severe when I do have an episode, but for the most part-- I can now get them under control. When i take the Norco it doesn't make me sleepy or drugged, it just takes the pain away. Sometimes I can go for a few days or a week without a headache. Other times I can have this left sided headpain for a few weeks. BUT, that is better than having it for over a year. Lately, I have started having this "stabbing" pain on the left side that is very quick, very scary and in the same place as my angioma pain. Any suggestions on what to do about that? This week, I had it happen 3 times. Tonight I have had about 15 episodes. Followed by an out of control "migraine". This is the weirdest thing I have ever known.
Posted 4/20/2009 8:59 PM (GMT 0)
I'd like to share my story since I finally seem to be on the road to success.I am an American in my early 40s living in Italy. I have suffered from Occipital Neuralgia for the past 7 mos. Burning sensation and stabbing pains only on right side of my head which at the worst state start from my neck and travel to the top of my eyebrow. Also get pain around my right jaw muscle and ear. Frequency is daily and pain usually starts late morning or midday and worsens as day progresses. Had both CAT scan and MRI performed and both turned out negative. Saw 2 different neurologists locally who prescribed amitriptyline to no avail, went to US trained chiropractor who advised me that in his opinion I had malocclusion and had dentist confirm the same and make me a bite plate me which I wear daily as much as possible and during sleep. Then a friend who suffered from a devastating bout of trigeminal neuralgia for many years told me about a doctor in Northern Italy who had cured her (now for 8 yrs) by the Furter Method, a deep (painful!) manipulation of the the inflamed area over the course of approx 7-8 visits (can be up to 15-20 in extreme cases) spaced at least 7-10 days apart. Obviously I was was very skeptical at first but given that it was not invasive and hardly dangerous I decided to try it with the consent of a family member who is a doctor in the U.S. The experience is quite painful as the area is tender to begin with and the doctor uses a plastic, 3 pronged tool with lubricant cream to treat the area. I just completed my 5th visit today and I have to say that, amazingly, this procedure is really starting to work! Up to the 4th visit almost nothing... in fact things seemed to get worse before they got better. But then after my 4th visit I started noticing a change. Longer time span between attacks, smaller area on the head and less intense. So much so that over Easter break I had 4 days completely head free! Now after my 5th visit I can objectively say that I've had the pain reduced by about 70% and am looking forward to my next appointments in the hope of finding a definitive cure to the problem. I know it won't be easy for people in the US to access the exact cure but surely there must be something similar? And no meds!! If you want to look up the website it's www.drfurter.ch The site is in French and German only but google does a halfway decent job of translating. I would never have believed it unless I started seeing real results as I am now. Wanted to share this experience. Will let you know how I do in my upcoming visits, patience needed :-)
Posted 4/20/2009 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
I forgot to mention that Dr. Michel Furter operates his clinic out of Nyon, Switzerland, near Geneva although his method is practiced not just by many doctors in other European countries but in places as far away as Australia.

Post Edited By Moderator (tysmyboo) : 10/14/2009 2:27:45 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/23/2009 4:18 AM (GMT 0)

To "digger" - I've had the exact same headaches and am glad to find someone else in the world who described it just like I do. No one else I know has ever heard of it. It feels like an ice pick in your head in one spot that can be anywhere on my head. They occur once or twice a year and usually only last a couple of days. Ibuprofen (4 or 5) usually take care of it for at least six hours but if it comes back I take another dose until the symptoms are gone. I've just had one that lasted four days and seemed more intense this time and yes, the spot on my scalp is sore to the touch. It's as though the muscles in the scalp are contracting really hard in one spot but really don't know if that's happening. It also feels like an inflamed nerve or something too. I also had tearing in one eye the first couple of mornings but not the entire time. I'd love to know what is happening and if something triggers it. An odd thing about this one is that it began as a slight soreness on the left side of my throat and I thought I may be getting a sore throat but then the pain went up into my head, just to the left of the very top for the first two days and then it was on the side of my head for two days. It's a sharp intense pain that lasts for a second or two and then subsides. It causes me to wince and even cry. It will come and go every 15 seconds to a minute, sometimes even closer together. It causes me to get very irritable. If I can catch it soon with Ibuprofen I can avoid the most intense pain. I'm 57 years old and have had these of and on since my twenties. Let me know if you've gotten any answers.

Posted 5/20/2009 7:15 PM (GMT 0)
I have had these headaches for 10 years and finally found out about occipital neuralgia. I find that I can't lay down when I'm having any kind of these headaches...so I sleep in a lazy boy sitting up with a cervical collar around my neck for support and pillows under my arms. I haven't slept with a pillow in years and I use a folded towel under my head to keep my spina and head aligned as straight as I can.  I usually put a bag of ice directly on my neck between my ears to numb the nerves as much as possible and take a darvocet or lortab. Usually the next day it's better but any looking around quickly can send shooting pains into my eyes.  The most important thing I do is to never strain my neck, like sit ups, picking heavy ojects up or looking up or down for a prolonged period of time.  Ice is my best friend and sleeping sitting up is the first step to "resetting" my head.  Necklaces are a problem as well sometimes....does any of this sound familiar to anyone?  Nancy
Posted 7/15/2009 1:11 PM (GMT 0)
I have had the same symptoms, but my doctor has told me something completely different. Sharp, stabbing pain on the side of my head, that radiates to the back of my head and face. Feels painful to the touch as well. My doctor told me it it was the "cold sore virus" around my inner ear that affects the nerves in that area. she prescribed Valtrex. This treatment gets rid of the symptoms in about 24 hours. I used to have cold sores a couple of times a year. I haven't had one in years, but have had this stabbing head pain a few times a year. I suppose it could be something as simple as the herpes virus that causes me this excruciating pain. My boyfriend had a cold sore 2 weeks ago, and I experienced severe stabbing head pain yesterday. Coincidence??
Posted 8/19/2009 5:22 AM (GMT 0)
For the last four days I had the stabbing pain headache about 20 times a day located about my left ear. This morning it moved over the above the right ear. I became very dizzy for about 30 minutes, was nauseated with emesis, and couldn't stand. Within an hour and a half the stabbing pain and dizziness left but I have had a generalized headache all over for 8 hours. These stabbing headaches have never progressed to this point. I have checked out occipital and trigeminal - but the locations are not similar to mine. Any help?
Posted 8/25/2009 7:28 PM (GMT 0)

For the past 5 days I have had the same experience.  My pain is a searing pain in the back of my head (almost like someone is sticking a needle in my head) that last a few seconds.  I massage the area, which is tender and is getting more tender after each episode. 

I have an appointnment with my primary care physician Friday, but I don't know if she will know what to do. 

What in the world could this possibly be?  What type of doctor should I see regarding this pain?

Posted 10/9/2009 4:19 AM (GMT 0)
I have been seeing a neurologist. This for me has been going on for about 3 maybe four years. Stabbing like a needle or wasp sting never has brought me to my knees but enough to say what the heck was that? i have had the pains up 30 times in a day for like 2 months straight. that is why i had and MRI and MRA done. Fortunately, they came back normal. So as to what causes my pain I am at a loss for answers. My neurologist suggests that there are many types of primary headaches and not all of them follow the same exact way. He said to me there not always answers or cause for headaches or head pain. They have been slowing down a lot. not getting nearly as many, but I suffer from pain in and around and in my eyes. What do you do when no answers are available? Is what I ask.. I am very frustrated but remain calm knowing there is no underlying cause. So...yeah I tried indomethacin and the next day I got a real migraine on the left side of my head which is not normal for me. I never have gotten migraines. Just these, "Idiopathic stabbing headaches." Clearly this is somthing should specialist need to research more. I don't know what this is but the neuro says it is provoked by stress and anxiety. The pains change from time to time sometime it is a dull ache in the spot where the stab is, other times the pain jumps around on both sides of my head. Recently, i noticed on my CPU desktop the white icons on a black background seem to split and have like a ghosted effect, went to the ophthalmologist, nothing wrong with my eyes. so i just don't know. i have been posting my problems on other similar threads so if you catch one any suggestion might help i just don't know what to do anymore...meds dont help. I am on colnazepam to kill he anxiety and it helps with only that. I dunno im getting depressed.
Posted 10/15/2009 3:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I've been having similar symptoms, i'm scared with no diagnosis. I have had constant pain and stabbing behind left ear area up to top of head, yes with constant neck pain, a few days ago the pain was not only sharp but pulsating strong then a sudden onset of a very hard, sharp pain on top left side of head, then following a sense of heat all on left side of head, wow i got naseau and severe shaking instantly. almost like an attack of some kind, went to ER they did a catscan and was negative for stroke hemmorage or any sinus or infections, i feel i'm slowing being attacked by a desease that could be controled if i could just know what it was, please can anyone help?
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