Sharp pains in head

[Cherie]

Over the past 5 weeks I have started to have sharp shooting pains that can occur above or to the side of my eyes, or above my ears, side of head or back of head. It is usually on my right and lasts between 2-10 seconds. Sometimes it is not too painful and other times when it is strong I have to close my eye. I am thinking of going to the GP but I know he will ask me if anyone else has this. I have also had light headiness but it doesn't happen at the same time.

[mariagno]

I have not heard of this. The most important thing is to make sure your GP always examines you without bias towards AMN. Many symptoms you have may not relate to AMN even some normal AMN like symptoms may not necessarily be due to AMN. I was diagnosed in 1995 and have seen a couple of GP's or even a neurologist that their approach was to blame AMN for everything without digging deeper. So now I have a GP who makes sure she has ruled out other things before going down the AMN path. Unfortunately, having one disease does not preclude you from others.

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

Cherie, this is very good advice from Mike. Sorry to hear about your head pains but the sooner you see your GP the better. A good GP will approach the problem without bias but Mike's advice to be alert to this possibility is excellent.

[Cherie]

I have just had my regular appointment with the spinal reflexologist and she thinks it may be coming from my upper back as she has never felt so much tightness and tenderness there.

If I don't get very far with my GP I have my annual check up due next week with my specialist. Thank you both for your advice.

[bozzer]

Hi there. I get something similar but is nothing to do with AMN. This what I googled some time ago. Hope it helps

lawhern.org/tn.html

[jolocny Volunteer]

I began having similar pains a couple years ago, they did escalate to where the pain was persistent and intolerable for me. My neurologist diagnosed these extended periods of pain as migraines. I have been successfully treated with Treximet.

I still will experience short spurts of pain occasionally without leading to a full-blown migraine, much the same as you've described. Yes, these are in particular spots - usually over or behind one of my ears. I haven't been able to determine if there are particular triggers, something I usually try to determine prior to visiting a doctor. Is it the AMN? Don't know as it can be attributed to AMN or not.

Glad that you have an appointment with your specialist next week!

[GeoffMahy Volunteer]

Hi Cherie, I have not experienced head pains, but I am frequently lightheaded which I think is common with AMN. I also have slightly low blood pressure which may also contribute to light headedness.

I agree with Chris and the other contributors that the head pains are probably not related to AMN and should be discussed with your GP asap. Geoff

[GeoffMahy Volunteer]

Another thought Cherie, have you had your eyes checked recently?

[Cherie]

I had them checked about a year ago. I have a GP appointment this morning.

I have had lightheadiness before but not as bad as this. The acupuncturist managed to sort it out last time and I am seeing him on Tuesday. He says it is very common in MS patients.

[Cherie]

My GP reckons they are neuralgia pains coming from my neck, but I will also check with my specialist on Monday. He wants me to continue with the spinal reflexologist to see if it helps.

[Britt]

Cherie I have these all the time and sometimes they even turn into migraines. For a time they were bad like someone was ripping my hair out in the back base of my head. My doctor also told me they were neuralgia pains. I've had them since I was a teenager and my daughter gets them in the front of her head. Funny you should ask about it because I have had them so much lately.

[Cherie in reply to Britt]

I am so sorry to hear you are still having to cope with neuralgia. It can be so painful. I am glad to say that mine has eased over the past year and I only have a couple of sessions a week to the side of my eyes lasting about 15 seconds.

[monkeybus]

Bumping this old thread, just seen it.

I have had shooting pains in my head for as long as I can remember. Doesn't worry me any more. Not dead yet.

I'll also point out, the headaches from a three day caffeine withdrawal are the same, for me.