Ice pick headaches - weeks?!

[YourCraftyGreyOP]

I’ve definitely had ice pick headaches before but more as a one off. However I’ve been having these now for the last 3 weeks. I’ve had the odd day maybe without one, or maybe one or two, but for the most part it’s several times a day (like 20-50), all day. I’ve also been getting them at night.

not every night, but maybe 3 nights where every time I’ve woken up I can feel it, and it’s making my anxious. When I get them at night they are more frequent than during the day.

it does move around sometimes but for the most part it hits on the right side, right in my forehead.

I’ve been on Google and it seems they’re not meant to last this long but I have seen some forums where people say they have them in spates for a while. I tend to find real life experiences more valuable than Dr Google; so does anyone here suffer, so you get them for long periods and is there anything you’ve noticed that helps?

I am having a diet overhaul today to see if that helps.

I also suffer from dry sinuses if that is of any assistance. Currently in a flare of facial pain / pressure. I’m using a nasal steroid spray the past few days to try and help with that and I’ve taken paracetamol today too as I’ve had enough of trying to push through.

I do also get migraines but they’re not severe. Maybe once a year I’ll get an aura and then a nasty headache, feel tired etc but I am not one of those that can’t move for 24 hours aside from vomiting, thankfully.

I thought about seeing my GP but I’ve read patient.info and the nice guidelines regarding headaches (plus past experience of going when I had my first ever sinus headache) and all they do is tell me to take painkillers regularly so I thought I’d do all the things I can do myself first before going there. I don’t have any red flag symptoms.

I can afford to have a private MRI if warranted. I had one just over 4 years ago (first sinus flare) which was clear (aside from a mucous cyst in one of my sinuses).

any personal stories welcome.

I do have HA so do be gentle. Yes I’ve had treatment. It’s improved but nowhere near gone, I am still working on it.

First thing I’d do is get an eye test as they can pick lots of issues up.

you need to see a gp to be referred to neurology for tests,also too many painkillers can cause severe headaches so a lot of drs don’t recommend them long term

@KaySam ive had an eye test recently as I wear contacts so have check ups quite often. I don’t take painkillers unless I absolutely have to, I’ve been battling through for 3 weeks and only just taken paracetamol today which hasn’t really done anything so I doubt I’ll repeat it.

So was the eye test fine no issues shown ? If so that is good,

I’d still speak to a gp to see if they can suggest anything. X

Yes eye test was fine.

i will give it until next week to see if diet and lifestyle changes help first x

Definitely worth seeing the GP, but given you can afford a private MRI, if the GP isn’t especially helpful I would look into private headache specialist consultants. They can be amazing and you may not even need the MRI.

@verysmellyjelly i can afford a one off mri but I don’t think I can afford repeated consultations, tests and treatment :(

Doctors. They may be able to refer you for a CT sooner than an MRI?

I don't intend to scare, but this was the first symptom of my brain tumour. I spent months on the MRI waiting list; told the doctor I was worried so they sent me for a CT and found it on that.

I have seen a headache specialist and was able to filter back into the NHS for ongoing treatment within NHS services. But the original consultation was incredibly helpful in getting the conditions correctly diagnosed, where the NHS had been very vague and general. Not trying to push you too hard, just context for how it can work well on occasion. I now get very helpful NHS treatment that has reduced my headache pain quite significantly.

Yes that has scared me, given my HA. I hope you’re doing well now.

I'm really sorry, that wasn't my intention ❤️ there are so many things that can cause ice pick headaches, I'm just a big advocate for pushing for MRI/CT asap x

Always go to the doctor if you have headaches (had a brain haemorrhage and would never have known). Chances are it is nothing serious and they will be able to help you.

@iwentjasonwaterfalls my MRI was clear, thankfully. The ice pick headaches have calmed down now.

I'm so glad to hear that ❤️ I'll keep my fingers crossed that they stay away for you!