October 8, 2018

Stabbing, Ice Pick Headaches? When You Should See a Doctor

Why you need a proper diagnosis

Man touching fingers to the sides of his forehead in distress and pain.

A headache that feels like stabbing around your eye or temple, or zigzagging from side to side. Sometimes, it’s called an “ice pick headache,” and you know why.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

Then, just as quickly, the headache disappears — until later that day, or maybe tomorrow.

“Patients will say, ‘The headaches are so sharp (and they keep reoccurring). I’m worried,’” says headache specialist Emad Estemalik, MD.

But, surprisingly, there’s generally little cause for alarm, he says.

Here’s what you should know about stabbing (or ice pick) headaches:

1. Usually they’re harmless — but they need to be checked.

“The vast majority of primary stabbing headaches are benign and will go away in a few weeks or a couple of months,” Dr. Estemalik says.

But don’t try to diagnose them yourself, he cautions.

See your doctor to make sure that what you are experiencing is, in fact, a harmless stabbing headache.

Advertisement

After a clinical assessment, your doctor will decide whether you need more testing. They may recommend an MRI or MRA, a type of imaging that can take a closer look at blood vessels.

Specifically, your doctor will want to rule out a couple of rare disorders:

  • SUNCT (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing).
  • SUNA (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with cranial autonomic symptoms).

These disorders cause a few seconds of severe head pain on one side of the head with teary eyes and runny nose.

2. Cause and prevention remain a mystery.

Patients tell Dr. Estemalik they have no idea what triggers their stabbing headaches, and they’re not the only ones. Researchers aren’t sure what causes them either.

Patients describe all sorts of scenarios when recounting when these headaches hit. Maybe it’s in the morning, but sometimes it’s at night. They may feel relaxed or stressed, hungry or full. It may happen during exercise, or while they’re lying in bed.

What we do know is that those who get migraine headaches are more likely to get stabbing headaches as well. They often occur in the same location as the migraines. Also, they’re uncommon in children and teens.

3. If your pain is unbearable, relief is available.

Stabbing headaches typically disappear spontaneously in a few weeks to a couple months, Dr. Estemalik says. But, in the meantime, your pain may be over the top. And it may cause you extra anxiety or stress as you anticipate the next jab.

Advertisement

A nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug known as indomethacin can ease the pain. But, like many drugs, it comes with side effects, including nausea and other stomach discomforts.

Dr. Estemalik says he typically prescribes the drug for a short term. By then, the stabbing headaches usually have run their course.

He sees many patients who are dealing with stabbing headaches, so don’t think you are alone. And, while most are harmless, you shouldn’t just assume that yours is.

“With any new onset of stabbing headaches, you need to see your doctor,” he says.

Related Articles

woman in bed with headached
May 31, 2022
High Blood Pressure and Headaches: Is There a Link?

Understanding when it may (and may not) be the culprit

Covid headaches long haulers
September 16, 2021
Headaches and COVID-19 Long-Haulers: What to Know

24/7 pain can last for weeks or even months

man suffering from tension headache
November 25, 2020
Easing Your Tension Headaches: 7 Tips From a Chiropractor

Bad habits that lead to headaches and how to overcome them

Notes taped to window of possible new year's resolutions with hand in foreground holding marker.
December 1, 2023
How To Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Pick specific, measurable goals, but also be open to changing them if need be

person holding a thermometer with stress thought bubbles above head
December 1, 2023
Yes, There Is Such a Thing as Stress Sickness

From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways

bowl of soy-based cubes with hand
November 30, 2023
Can Soy Cause Breast Cancer?

Research consistently shows that soy-based foods do not increase cancer risk

person scratching neck that has eczema
November 29, 2023
How Lifestyle Changes and Self-Care Can Improve Your Atopic Dermatitis

Changing your wardrobe or environment won’t eliminate eczema, but it can help reduce flares

person stressing, with clock and books
November 29, 2023
6 Ways To Feel Less Anxious in the Mornings

Breathwork, sleep mediatation and avoiding screens can help fight back morning anxiety

Trending Topics

group of hands holding different beverages
November 14, 2023
10 Myths About Drinking Alcohol You Should Stop Repeating

Coffee won’t cure a hangover and you definitely shouldn’t mix your cocktail with an energy drink

Person applies moisturizer as part of their skin care routine after a shower.
November 10, 2023
Korean Skin Care Routines: What You Need To Know

Focus on the philosophy — replenishing and respecting your skin — not necessarily the steps

glass of cherry juice with cherries on table
November 8, 2023
Sleepy Girl Mocktail: What’s in It and Does It Really Make You Sleep Better?

This social media sleep hack with tart cherry juice and magnesium could be worth a try

Ad