Very Short Migraines ?

Hi cydyth,

Thank you for your question - and welcome to the discussion forum! Let me see what information I can give you that may help.

First, anytime we experience new and/or different symptoms or patterns to our migraines, it's important to discuss them with our doctor so he can rule out anything serious.

There are over 300 different types of headache disorders, and many of us have more than one type. I personally have chronic migraine, post-traumatic headache, intracranial hypertension to name a few. As much as I wish I could tell you exactly what type of additional headache disorder you may have, only a qualified doctor can do that.

I sometimes get sharp, stabbing head pain that lasts for only seconds - it feels like it is gone as soon as it arrives. However, it's always startling when I experience this. I've not had this confirmed, but it most likely is what's called Ice-Pick Headache, or primary stabbing headache. This information is directly from National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm

"Primary stabbing headache, also known as "ice pick" or "jabs and jolts" headache, is characterized by intense piercing pain that strikes without warning and generally lasts 1 to 10 seconds. The stabbing pain usually occurs around the eye but may be felt in multiple sites along the trigeminal nerve. Onset typically occurs between 45 and 50 years of age. Some individuals may have only one headache per year while others may have multiple headaches daily. Most attacks are spontaneous but headaches may be triggered by sudden movement, bright lights, or emotional stress. Primary stabbing headache occurs most often in people who have migraine, hemicrania continua, tension-type, or cluster headaches. The disorder is hard to treat, because each attack is extremely short. Indomethacin and other headache preventive medications can relieve pain in people who have multiple episodes of primary stabbing headache."

You can use that information to discuss this with your doctor.
Good luck and keep us posted on how you are feeling,
Nancy

Thank you for the reply. My headaches have now changed again to silent/acephalgic migraines. Maybe due to a new mix of meds, vitamins and feverfew. I wouldn't call these "silent" but the major pain component is gone although there is still some pain. My MD sees it as improvement as I am more able to function.

Hi cydyth,

Thank you for the update. I'm happy to hear you are functioning a bit better.

Please keep us posted,
Nancy