Ophthalmodynia periodica
| Ophthalmodynia periodica | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Needle-in-the-eye syndrome, sharp short-lived head pain, jabs and jolts syndrome |
Ophthalmodynia periodica is also known as "ice-pick headache", is a primary headache disorder, so it is not caused by any other conditions.
Signs and symptoms
- Stabbing sensations, usually in one area of the head
- Pain may move to different areas of the head
- Pain lasts for a few seconds ("usually 5–30")
- Pain appears out of nowhere
- Pain is completely gone after each occurrence
- Each occurrence happens at varied frequencies
Cause
Ophthalmodynia periodica does not have a confirmed cause, being a primary headache, but can be identified with other primary conditions. "As many as 40% of all individuals with ice pick headaches have also been diagnosed as suffering with some form of migraine headache."
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic criteria are given for ophthalmodynia periodica:
- Head pain occurring as a single stab or a series of stabs
- Can be felt in the areas surrounding the eyes and temples but is "typically felt on the top, front, or sides of the head"
- Pain lasting only a few seconds with irregular frequency
- No cranial autonomic symptoms
- "Not attributed to another disorder"
Classification
The International Headache Society classifies ophthalmodynia periodica as a primary stabbing headache.
Epidemiology
Ophthalmodynia periodica was first discovered by a doctor in 1964, where the disorder was first referred to as ophthalmodynia periodica. Since then, the disorder has been referred to as idiopathic stabbing headache.
External links
- WebMd article on Ice Pick Headaches
- Healthline article on Ice Pick Headaches
- Primary Stabbing Headaches