Ice pick headaches feel like a sudden, stabbing pain in your face, often around the eyes or temples. They’re brief, usually lasting just a few seconds. They can happen repeatedly in the same or different spots throughout the day. People prone to migraines or cluster headaches are more likely to have ice pick headaches, though anyone can have them.
Doctors don’t know the exact cause, but it may involve how the brain sends pain signals. Triggers could include sudden movements, bright light, or stress. Because ice pick headaches are short-lived, they can be hard to treat.
Many people, from time to time, feel quick jabs or jolts of severe pain around one of their eyes or at their temple. They usually last only a few seconds.
They might happen in the same spot over and over again. Or you could feel them in different places each time, such as one temple and then the other.
Thunderclap Headache vs. Ice Pick Headache
Like an ice pick headache, a thunderclap headache comes on suddenly. But the difference is that an ice pick headache lasts a few seconds, while a thunderclap headache can stick with you anywhere between 1 and 5 minutes. Also, ice pick headaches happen in clusters, but a thunderclap headache happens in one burst. A thunderclap headache could also be a sign of a serious health issue, while an ice pick headache usually isn’t.
Who Gets Ice Pick Headaches?
You’re more likely to get ice pick headaches if you’re prone to migraines or cluster headaches. But you could get them even if you don’t normally have migraines. People usually first notice them between the ages of 45 and 50.
Ice Pick Headache Causes
It’s not clear what causes ice pick headaches. But doctors do know they’re not caused by disease or injury. You may get them because something is wrong with how your brain sends pain signals to your body.
Ice pick headache triggers may include:
- Sudden movements
- Bright light
- Stress
Track Your Triggers
It’s a good idea to keep a headache diary. Write down when you have an ice pick headache and what happened before it started. If you had a stressful day at work before it hit, write that down. You can also use a mobile phone app instead of a diary.
Take this information to your next doctor’s appointment so you can discuss ways to prevent these headaches. They may be able to suggest lifestyle changes, such as relaxation, to reduce stress.
Ice pick headaches may come and go quickly, so they’re hard to treat. One medicine you might try to prevent an attack is indomethacin (Indocin, Tivorbex). It’s a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It could cause side effects such as nausea, stomach bleeding, heartburn, and eye or kidney problems. You’ll need an annual eye exam to make sure your eyes are healthy if you take it.
Ice Pick Headache Home Remedies
At-home treatments are another option to ease an ice pick headache. You can try:
- Massaging your head
- Placing a warm or cold compress on your head
- Resting in a cool, dark room
- Drinking water
Ice Pick Headache Complications
See a doctor if you have an ice pick headache along with the following:
- Trouble with balance
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Throwing up
- Vision changes
When to Seek Emergency Help
Ice pick headaches aren’t serious in most cases. But other serious brain conditions could also make you feel similar pains. If you have brief headaches that feel like stabbing, see your doctor to rule out other health concerns.
Credit: webmd
