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Current Pain and Headache Reports
Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports 5/2016

01-05-2016 | Uncommon and/or Unusual Headaches and Syndromes (J Ailani, Section Editor)

Ice Pick Headache

Authors: Abigail L. Chua, Stephanie Nahas

Published in: Current Pain and Headache Reports | Issue 5/2016

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Abstract

Ice pick headache, also called idiopathic or primary stabbing headache, is a unique headache type associated with ultra-brief stabs of pain, most commonly in the frontal or temporal area. It occurs predominantly in women and is estimated to affect 2–35 % of the population. Unlike other headache types of short duration, such as short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), ice pick headache is not associated with any cranial autonomic symptoms but has been known to occur with nausea, vomiting, photophobia, and dizziness. It exists in two forms: primary and secondary, with examples of secondary causes being herpes zoster meningoencephalitis, meningiomas, stroke, and multiple sclerosis. Ice pick headache is one of the “indomethacin responsive headaches,” but up to 35 % of patients fail to show significant benefit with that treatment. Other treatment options include gabapentin, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, melatonin, and external hand warming.
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Metadata
Title
Ice Pick Headache
Authors
Abigail L. Chua
Stephanie Nahas
Publication date
01-05-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Pain and Headache Reports / Issue 5/2016
Print ISSN: 1531-3433
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3081
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-016-0559-7

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