Ice pick Headaches - Primary Stabbing Headache

[annag77]

Is there anyone out there who has suffered with Ice pick headaches - who has either been successful with pain relief, or where they have just disappeared over time?  There seems to be a lot of information about what they are and lots of people that have them, but I am wanting to find people whom have gone on to be free of them!

[Ball123]

Ice pick headaches can be either migraine or Indometacin-responsive headaches.

If you also have migraine or any migraine symptoms, vision disturbance etc this speaks for migraine and you should try a migraine preventive drug like a beta blocker for example.

If not, they are usually considered to be one of the Indometacin-responsive headache types and you can treat them with Indomethacin.

Talk with your doctor.

[annag77]

I don't suffer migraines and have no other symptoms apart from the stabbing pains which come several times a day and last just seconds.  I have been prescribed Indomethacin and Amitriptyline.  The Indomethacin didn't seem to do much...I was still getting attacks.  I have been on the Amitriptyline for 4 weeks now and I am having pain free days or days with just one or two attacks.

[AKC_75]

Hi and welcome to the Migraines & Headaches Community.

There really is no "cure" from ice pick headaches or migraines, etc. But, finding out what your triggers are and doing what you can to avoid them does help as well as prescription preventative and abortive drugs.

Common triggers:
Physical exertion or activity
Stress
Hormonal changes
Skipping meals
Sleep disturbances and sleeping late
Weather changes
Perfume or odor
Neck pain
Lights
Alcohol
Smoke
Heat
Food/diet

1. There are several symptoms of migraines and what causes the pain of a migraine is the blood vessels in your brain become dilated. So, sometimes it helps it you put a bit of pressure on your head. I am sure you have already been doing this unconsciously with your hands from time to time. So, get a bandanna or a cloth headband and wrap it snugly around your head.
2. If you rub Mentholatum across your forehead and on your temples that helps relax those tense muscles. You can do this with or without the wrap, depending on if you like the heat or not.
3. Try either a cold or hot pack, whichever is more comfy to you.
4. The best OTC meds that I have found that works is Excedrin. It is a combo of Aspirin, Tylenol and Caffeine and that happens to be an excellent combo for migraines.
5. I mentioned caffeine before...well, drink coffee, Mt Dew, take Vivirin...sometimes a mega dose of caffeine will stop it in its tracks.
6. If you get nauseous or dizzy get some Meclizine from the pharmacy (the stuff behind the counter) you can take 25mg three times a day as needed. Yes it works on both.

Good luck and keep us posted.