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What Causes Sharp Pain Towards The Back Right Side Of Head?
Question: The night before last, I woke up several times with a sharp pain towards the back-right of my head; it lasted a few seconds, went away, came back several times till morning.
I asked a nursing person what to do, as I also developed some ear ache on the right side. She pulled me apart and whispered: I hate to tell you this, but you could have shingles. If you have a rash, tell me immediately as we only have 36 hours....
The residence doctor is away for 10 days...
Approx. one hour ago, I woke up with the same type of pain; again it did not last very long, but... the clock is ticking.
What do I do ?
I have Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney disease - stage 4 or 5 - not on dialysis so far -, and bad ostheoporosis and osteoarthritis..., and I am 82 years old.
It is almost 2 a.m. should I take a taxi to the hospital, or just wait and see what happens?
I asked a nursing person what to do, as I also developed some ear ache on the right side. She pulled me apart and whispered: I hate to tell you this, but you could have shingles. If you have a rash, tell me immediately as we only have 36 hours....
The residence doctor is away for 10 days...
Approx. one hour ago, I woke up with the same type of pain; again it did not last very long, but... the clock is ticking.
What do I do ?
I have Congestive Heart Failure, Chronic Kidney disease - stage 4 or 5 - not on dialysis so far -, and bad ostheoporosis and osteoarthritis..., and I am 82 years old.
It is almost 2 a.m. should I take a taxi to the hospital, or just wait and see what happens?
Brief Answer:
Suggestive of painful neuralgia
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the sharp pain on the back right side of your head.
After having gone through your problem diligently I am of the opinion that this is some sort of neuralgia ( due to inflammation of the nerves of the affected area) which commonly occurs in patients with chronic kidney diseases.
It could be due to involvement of posterior auricular nerve.
The shingles is usually associated with burning sensation, sharp pain, and the appearance of blisters like rash along with the distribution of a particular nerve.
I would advice you to be examined by a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment (possible use of Amitryptiline or Carbamazepine or Gabapentine).
Meanwhile you may take some pain killers like Acetaminophen, Lidocaine patch or skin creams containing Capsaicin.
Hope the suggestions given above could be useful in getting rid of pain till you visit your doctor.
Best regards.
Suggestive of painful neuralgia
Detailed Answer:
Dear Madam,
Thanks for posting your query on HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the sharp pain on the back right side of your head.
After having gone through your problem diligently I am of the opinion that this is some sort of neuralgia ( due to inflammation of the nerves of the affected area) which commonly occurs in patients with chronic kidney diseases.
It could be due to involvement of posterior auricular nerve.
The shingles is usually associated with burning sensation, sharp pain, and the appearance of blisters like rash along with the distribution of a particular nerve.
I would advice you to be examined by a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment (possible use of Amitryptiline or Carbamazepine or Gabapentine).
Meanwhile you may take some pain killers like Acetaminophen, Lidocaine patch or skin creams containing Capsaicin.
Hope the suggestions given above could be useful in getting rid of pain till you visit your doctor.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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