Stabbing Pain in Head

A headache is considered as one of the most discomfort causing condition in human beings. A person suffering from a headache finds it impossible to work, sleep, or perform any activity whatsoever. There are different types of headaches caused due to different reasons. Minor headaches can be caused due to a hangover, lack of sleep, excess sleep or stress. However, there can also be various severe conditions that may lead to severe headaches.

Causes of Sharp Head Pain

Migraine
Migraine is a condition characterized by a severe throbbing headache experienced in only one side of the head. The exact cause of a migraine is unknown. However, there are several triggering factors like stress, odors, food, alcohol, sleep disorders that result in a migraine.

Ice Pick Headache
Ice pick headache is a term used to refer a condition marked by shooting pain in head that comes and goes. This can be caused due to migraine, cluster headaches or multiple sclerosis. In some cases, along with a headache, other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, vertigo, etc., are also experienced.

Meningitis
Meningitis is the disease caused due to inflammation of the meninges or membrane of the brain by virus or bacteria. Meningitis is more common among babies and children than adults. Sharp, stabbing pain in head, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, etc., are some of the symptoms of meningitis.

Brain Tumor
Brain tumor is one of the most severe causes of sudden stabbing headache. It is defined as an abnormal and uncontrolled growth of tissue inside the skull. The tumor can be malignant or benign. The exact cause of brain tumor is unknown. People experiencing sudden headaches along with confusion and seizures are usually diagnosed with brain tumor.

Apart from these, sinusitis, brain cancer, coital cephalalgia, spinal or vascular headache, encephalitis, etc., are the other potential causes. A person suffering from sharp pain in head that persists for more than a couple of hours should consult the doctor immediately.

Treatment

The doctor may advice X-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc., to diagnose the condition. It is essential to identify the trigger factors of migraine in order to treat it. Preventing exposure to trigger factors, medications, relaxation techniques, etc., are the different methods used for headache relief in case of a migraine. Treatment of ice pick headaches also involves the above mentioned methods like use of medication drugs and relaxation techniques. Treatment of meningitis depends on the cause of it. Bacterial meningitis can be treated with the help of antibiotics whereas bed rest and intake of fluids is essential to get rid of viral meningitis. Brain tumor treatment depends on whether the tumor is malignant or benign. The traditional treatment method includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

As seen above, all the potential causes are severe medical conditions, therefore, one should not ignore a severe headache. One should remember that all the above mentioned conditions can be treated if timely treatment is undertaken. Take care!

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not to be substituted for a doctor's consultation!