I have sharp shotting pains in the left
sde of my head. These have been happening
for the last three years but were
infrequent (perhaps every 2-6 months)
until last week when I had about ten in
one week. The pain only lasts a few
seconds and originates just above my left
ear where the pain "bursts" but then it
speads a little over my head. I can often
feel dizzy or mildy sick after having one.
They always stop me in my tracks. I have
had the following tests at doctors:
- pressure behind eye was fine
- am not diabetic
- ears and throat checked - all fine
- no neck pain
What could it be?
I do have a bit of a stressful job that
requires long hours - but the most
frequent pain was last week when I was on
holiday (had lots of rest etc and no
excessive drinking) so surely it can't be
that?!
According to your headache description
(“shooting pain starts from above the
ear and then spreads to whole head”,
“feel dizzy or mildly sick after it”)
and negative ENT and ophthalmic
examinations, you could be experiencing a
type of primary headache like a tension
headache or migraine or both in the same
time perhaps. Stress can cause a tension
headache. You can try taking a non-opiate
painkiller like paracetamol, for example,
and physical exercises for muscle
extension. Muscle relaxants from the
group of benzodiazepines (diazepam,
bromazepam…) can be also useful but it
should be prescribed by a doctor.
You may want to consult your GP and, if
necessary, a neurologist about your
condition.
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