Shooting Pain in Head

Pain in the head is one of the worst kinds of pain as it disables a person of any work or activity and also gives a person sleepless nights. It can be of different types; it can be sharp shooting pain in one side of the head, throbbing pain on top of the head, or intense pain in forehead.

Causes

The type of head pain depends on the cause and can vary accordingly. As the brain is a vital organ located in the head, any injury, or disorder related to the brain results in sharp pain in head. The following are the different causes of shooting head pain.

Migraine
Migraine is a set of severe painful headaches that occur in the form of periodic attacks. The exact cause of migraines are unknown, however, it is found more commonly in women than men. The headache caused due to a migraine is felt in one side of the head and is very severe. Along with headache, other symptoms like sensitivity to light, sound, dizziness, blurred vision, vomiting and nausea are also experienced.

Brain Injury
Any trauma or injury to the brain is a prominent cause of shooting pain in head. Trauma can be caused due to any severe blow, fall or direct hit on the head. Sometimes, closed brain injury with no visible marks can also occur due to concussions. Loss of consciousness is the first response of head injury. Apart from it mild to sever head pain, seizures, dizziness and confusion are the other symptoms of head injury.

Brain Tumor
Growth of abnormal cells (malignant or benign) in the brain is known as brain tumor. Growth of malignant cells results in brain cancer. The exact cause for the development of brain tumor is unknown; it can simply develop in any person, at any age. The symptoms of brain tumor depend on the size and the exact location of it. In some cases, it is found that very mild pain is observed, whereas in other cases, sudden intense pain is experienced. Brain tumors can also cause changes in behavior, perception, changes in memory, loss of senses, confusion and seizures.

Encephalitis
Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain caused due to viral or bacterial infection. Unfortunately there are nearly hundreds of parasites that can cause encephalitis. Herpes Simples virus, Enteroviruses and other bacteria and viruses can enter the human body through insect bites, food or drink, or skin contact. Apart from headache, seizures, confusion, convulsions, nausea, vomiting and fever are the other encephalitis symptoms.

Meningitis
Meningitis is the inflammation in the meninges of the brain caused due to bacterial or viral infection. Meningitis can occur at any age, but is commonly observed in children. Throbbing pain in head, nausea, fever, stiff neck, vomiting and sensitivity to light are the common symptoms of meningitis. Enteroviruses, meningococcal and pneumococcal bacteria are the prominent groups of bacteria causing meningitis.

Treatment

Immediate diagnosis and treatment is essential if one experiences sharp shooting head pain without any history. Antibiotics and pain relievers are used for migraine relief. One should also stay away from migraine triggers like stress, tensions, certain foods, odors, etc. Brain injury treatment is completely based on the type, location, size and cause of the injury. Brain tumors are treated by surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Sometimes either of these methods are used or in other times, combination therapies are required. Encephalitis and meningitis, if caused by bacterial infections, can be treated with the help of antibiotics. On the other hand, viral infectious diseases are treated with other medications, drugs and treatment methods.

One should remember that severe headache is not an ordinary symptom and should not be ignored. The causes of it can be effectively treated if timely treatment is undertaken. This write-up is intended only to provide information. It is wise to consult the doctor for proper advice and treatment, in case you experience any of these symptoms.