Primary stabbing headache or also known as “Ice pick headaches” are short, stabbing, extremely intense headaches that can be absolutely terrifying. They generally only last between five and 30 seconds. However, they come out of nowhere, can strike anywhere on the head, literally feel as if an ice pick is being stuck into your head, then disappear before you can even figure out what’s happening. The pain can also seem to occur in or behind the ear.

The International Headache Society diagnostic criteria is:
*Head pain occurring as a single stab or a series of stabs and fulfilling criteria B–D
*Exclusively or predominantly felt in the distribution of the first division of the trigeminal nerve (orbit, temple and parietal area)
*Stabs last for up to a few seconds and recur with irregular frequency ranging from one to many per day
*No accompanying symptoms
*Not attributed to another disorder

Ice pick headaches occur in up to 40% of Migraine suffers, often located in or near the usual location of their Migraines. They can occur at any time of day or even wake people from sleep. It’s seen more commonly in women than in men and most commonly comes on in a patient’s 20s, though these headaches can start at any age.

Treatment for ice pick headaches is challenging given their short duration. However, there is some good news for chronic sufferers. Since ice pick headaches are often linked with other types of headaches — including migraines and cluster headaches — treating those headache disorders can help reduce the occurrence of ice pick headaches. It’s a good idea to consult your doctor if you experience ice pick headaches.

If you’re experiencing what you think may be ice pick headaches, please don’t just assume that’s what they are. Log them in your diary, and go see your doctor. As with any other head pain, there can be too many possible causes to guess. A doctor’s diagnosis is vital.