Sharp Headache

Each one of us suffers from headache at some time or the other in our lives. If you often suffer from headache, you should pay attention to the symptoms so that you can provide accurate and sufficient information to your doctor. This helps detect the cause of the pain. There exist different types of headache and hundreds of causes of headache as well. So, it is difficult for a doctor to determine the exact cause of the pain if you just say that you have a severe headache. Eye problems, acidity, indigestion, insufficient sleep, food poisoning, sinusitis, physical or emotional stress are some of the most common causes of sharp headache.

Sharp pain on the backside of the head is the pain that begins in the upper neck as a band-like tightness or pressure. Migraine can lead to severe pain on one side. Despite the pain, most people are able to finish their routine work. But, sharp and recurring headaches should not be left untreated as they can be one of the symptoms of serious underlying diseases. Some people may suffer from severe headache frequently or even daily. The type, severity and duration of the pain, the associated symptoms like nausea or vomiting, help determine the reason behind the pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers work great for headache and can be taken once in a while. But to determine the exact cause of recurring sharp pain in the head, proper physical examination is necessary. The doctor might order tests like CT scan, MRI, Blood test, etc. to find out the cause.

Sharp Headache Causes

• Constipation: Constipation is a very common cause of frequent headache. Though it appears as a simple reason behind headache, it can result in digestive system dysfunction due to some severe problems like tumors or adhesion or cancers etc.
• Sinusitis: Sinus headaches are also very common. Sinusitis gives rise to sharp pain in head behind eyes or behind ear. Constant headache or severe headache when bending over, is a common symptom of sinusitis.
• Brain Tumor: Brain tumors, brain injuries or brain cancer can lead to stabbing headache. Therefore it is necessary to consult the physician and undergo various examinations to determine the exact cause of headache. The earlier the diagnosis, greater are the chances of fast recovery.
• Meningitis: Meningitis is the condition wherein inflammation of the meninges, i.e., tissues surrounding brain and the spinal cord occurs due to bacterial or viral infection. This is a very serious condition. Stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, seizures or unconsciousness, loss of appetite, sharp pain in entire head are some of the most common symptoms of meningitis.
• Allergies: Allergies can lead to mild or severe headache. If you are allergic to any kind of food, chemical, pollens, etc. then it is better to stay away from such allergens. You should avoid eating the food which contains allergens. You should cover your nose, eyes, ears, head well, to keep yourself away from the allergens whenever or wherever there is possibility of facing any type of allergens.
• Encephalitis: Encephalitis is caused by enteroviruses or other bacteria and viruses that enter your body through insect bites, food or drink or skin contact. Viral or bacterial infection causes encephalitis which is one of the most prominent causes of headaches leading to the inflammation of the brain. There are innumerable parasites that can cause encephalitis. Sharp headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, confusion, convulsions and fever are the other encephalitis symptoms.
• Other Causes: Change in sleep pattern, excessive smoking, alcohol abuse, drugs consumption, consumption of specific foods, excessive use of pain killers or some other medicines, irregular and unhealthy diet leading to vitamins or nutrients deficiency, extreme weather conditions like too hot or too cold weather, eye problems, outset of puberty, premenstrual syndrome, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, dehydration, renal failure, problems with ear, nose, teeth and neck, flu, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, etc., can lead to piercing headache.

One who experiences sharp headache tends to be restless. Some people often pace the floor or some even bang their heads against a wall. Prompt medical attention is required if the headache experienced is different from the usual headache and is associated with persistent nausea, vomiting, fever, stiff neck, seizures, head trauma or a fall, change in sensation, weakness or changes in vision, speech or behavior. If the headache does not subside with one dose of over-the-counter medicine and if it is interfering with work and quality of life, then you should immediately consult your physician.