A MRI uses only magnetism and no x-rays. It also produces better images than a ct scan. So i would suggest a MRI. The risks associated with a MRI are very small and shouldn't be a cause to worry.
I don't want to go against your doc. But since it is such a serious pain and he is so young I would feel more comfortable with a brain mri being done. But maybe your doc is skilled enough to rule out intracranial diseases anyway.
Does he get pain when jumping or shaking his head too?
What did you ever find out regarding your daughter's headaches? My son is 4 and he just started having episodes exactly, I mean almost identical to what you described. The only difference is it's the right side of his head above the ear towards the back. I've taken him to the doctor several times and she's declined to do any type of radiology type testing.
Thanks! I'll talk to her Pediatrician. :)
Hi,
These symptoms of feeling hot marbles on the head lasting for brief duration can be a symptom of pediatric migraine. The other possibility which comes to mind is cluster headaches which are extremely painful, occur on one side of the head, are sharp in nature and last for brief duration of time.
These possibilities have to be evaluated clinically by her pediatrician in order to make a definitive diagnosis. Hope this helps!
Thanks for your reply. Does the feeling of "hot marbles" mean anything to you? Or the extremely short duration of the head pain? - Thanks, Gabrielle
Hi,
Ice pick headaches are seen in patients with long history of chronic headache. They are very rarely seen in young children. The chances are more if your child has a pre-existing history of chronic headaches.
The chances of brain tumor are less because patients with brain tumors develop other neurological symptoms also apart from headaches like numbness, vision changes etc.
It is important however to get a neurological evaluation done to make the correct diagnosis. The chances of these headaches being related to allergies is also a possibility. Let us know if you have more questions.