Hi, It really sounds like you are describing what is called a cluster headache. These tend to occur in cyclical patterns, are one of the most painful types of headaches experienced. A cluster headache commonly awakens a person in the middle of the night with intense pain in or around one eye on one side of your head. Typically patient s describe this as an ice pick in the eye . Episodes of frequent attacks, can last from weeks to months, usually followed by period of relief when the headaches stop. Cluster headache are not terribly common and not life-threatening. Treatments, namely medications, can make cluster headache attacks shorter and less severe. Generally, in my experience I have treated these types of headaches with Imitrex very successfully, also Dihydroergotamine works with great success too. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist