HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Ice Pick Headaches?

default
Posted on Tue, 11 Mar 2014
Question: Hello - I have just been looking up ice pick headaches. I have stabbing pains right temple. I have had unexplained shadows discovered in the frontal lobe and base of brain but no growth and not problems since found in 2008. I have normal migraines and now this. Is it safe to ignore this for now and if so how long before i seek help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Manjeth Kumar G (1 hour later)
Brief Answer: Get second opinion. Periodical examination, Scans Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. You must show your scan reports and get second opinion a another Neurologist and Radiologist to rule out the possible causes like any vascular anomalies in base of brain. Because vascular anomalies in base of brain or other region may present as frequent headaches. If the opinion is said to be normal and there is no change in shadows and also no growth consistent with cancer or other diseases for last 5 to 6 years, then it is better to ignore now. But you need a periodical neurological examination atleast once in a year and MRI or CT scan every 3 to 5 years to monitor these unexplained shadows. As Ice Pick head aches are common in migraine patients. Just continue the Citalopram, it may reduce the frequency of headaches. But there is no proven cause for ice pick headaches. My advice is continue the Citalopram if every thing is normal. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Manjeth Kumar G

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1120 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Ice Pick Headaches?

Brief Answer: Get second opinion. Periodical examination, Scans Detailed Answer: Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. You must show your scan reports and get second opinion a another Neurologist and Radiologist to rule out the possible causes like any vascular anomalies in base of brain. Because vascular anomalies in base of brain or other region may present as frequent headaches. If the opinion is said to be normal and there is no change in shadows and also no growth consistent with cancer or other diseases for last 5 to 6 years, then it is better to ignore now. But you need a periodical neurological examination atleast once in a year and MRI or CT scan every 3 to 5 years to monitor these unexplained shadows. As Ice Pick head aches are common in migraine patients. Just continue the Citalopram, it may reduce the frequency of headaches. But there is no proven cause for ice pick headaches. My advice is continue the Citalopram if every thing is normal. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.