HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Headache, Feels Like Someone Stabbing In Back Of Head

Hi, My husband is having for about two days ice pick headaches. Today they got worst and he keep saying that is like someone is stabbing him on the back right side of his head. I am just worried that it could be something like a tumor as I was reading on the internet about these sharp pains. Please help me with an answer. Thank you
Fri, 8 Nov 2013
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello dear,

The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be due to:
1. Sinusitis
2. Tension headache
3. Migraine
4. Cluster headache

Management involves:
1. Paracetamol (500 mg to be taken thrice a day) for symptomatic relief.
2. Antibiotics based on culture & sensitivity reports.
3. Steam inhalation
4. Antihistamines like Allegra can also be used.

So, kindly consult your General Physician & start treatment.
Investigations like complete blood count & X ray of para-nasal sinus will be helpful.

Wishing a good health.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Pathologist and Microbiologist Dr. Vandana Khare's  Response
Hi!
welcome to HCM!
Your husband seems to be suffering from sharp occipital headaches which can be due to Occipital neuralgia.It is a distinct type of headache characterized by piercing, pain in the upper neck, back of the head, and behind the ears, usually on one side of the head. Typically, the pain begins in the neck and then spreads upward. The location of pain is related to the areas supplied by the greater and lesser occipital nerves, which run from the area where the spinal column meets the neck, up to the scalp at the back of the head.

The pain is caused by irritation or injury to the nerves, which can be the result of trauma to the back of the head; pressure on the nerves by overly tight neck muscles; compression of the nerve, due to osteoarthritis, as it leaves the spine; or rarely tumors.

Localized inflammation or infection, gout, diabetes, blood vessel inflammation , and frequent lengthy periods of keeping the head in a downward and forward position are also associated with occipital neuralgia. In many cases, however, no cause can be found.
You must get him examined by a neurologist.
hope this helps!Take care!
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Headache, Feels Like Someone Stabbing In Back Of Head

Hello dear, The symptoms as mentioned in your post can be due to: 1. Sinusitis 2. Tension headache 3. Migraine 4. Cluster headache Management involves: 1. Paracetamol (500 mg to be taken thrice a day) for symptomatic relief. 2. Antibiotics based on culture & sensitivity reports. 3. Steam inhalation 4. Antihistamines like Allegra can also be used. So, kindly consult your General Physician & start treatment. Investigations like complete blood count & X ray of para-nasal sinus will be helpful. Wishing a good health. Take care.