Monday, May 28, 2012
Wednesday, March 25, 2009 ren asks

Q: What kinda headache brings on sharp, intense stabbing pain in the back of the head?!

Last night I started my headache. It was a sharp stabbing pain in the back of my head.Localized to the right side but then eventually moved to the left and then back to the right. And every time I breathed in it would get worse. It calmed down after an hour and the rest of the night and today I had moderate headache. Would this be a migraine? It also affects the back of my neck and my nose. I was thinking it was a cluster headache but i dont have a runny nose or eye tearing and I haven't been sick. I've never experienced something like this before. And going to the doctor is out since I have no insurance =(

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Answers (1)
Teri Robert, Health Guide
3/25/09 11:48pm

ren,

 

It could be a Migraine, but it could also be something else entirely. Cluster headaches are multiple short headaches that last 15 to 180 minutes.

 

Here's the problem. Nobody can tell you via the Internet what this headache is, and it could be dangerous to not get it checked out. Do you by any chance remember the singer Laura Brannigan (her best known song was "Gloria:)? She told her brother she'd been having a headache, but didn't get it checked out. Turned out it was an aneursym; it burst, and she didn't survive it.

 

I know what it's like to not have insurance. Been there myself. But, the fact remains that you need to see a doctor.

 

Good luck,

Teri

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12/ 1/09 8:47am

you say that clusters headaches last 15 - 180mins, but ive been diagnosed with clusters and mine last days :( not to mention the cluster of migraines that follows with each lasting generally 3 - 5 days.

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Teri Robert, Health Guide
12/ 1/09 9:07am

A single cluster headache doesn't last for days. Please trust me on this. I've asked some of the world's leading experts about this.

 

If your doctor insists these are cluster headaches, I suggest you get a second opinion. If your doctor isn't able to help you, it may well be time to consult a Migraine and headache specialist. It's important to note that neurologists aren't necessarily Migraine and headache specialists. Take a look at the article Migraine and Headache Specialists - What's So Special? If you need help finding a Migraine specialist, check our listing of Patient Recommended Migraine and Headache Specialists.

 

Teri

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By ren— Last Modified: 11/03/10, First Published: 03/25/09