Single pointed headaches – Symptoms and diagnosis

Single pointed headaches – Symptoms and diagnosis

Headaches are moments of inconvenience and always remain the primary cause of discomfort for any individual.  Interestingly, each type of a headache can have a unique symptom and in no way, those can be neglected. Anyhow there are various conditions, which cause headaches on top of the head.  Ignoring headaches is never a good idea and whatever be the reason, persistent headaches should be referred to a doctor. Often it is seen that individuals opt for painkillers but such a habit can be extremely detrimental to a person’s health.

Single pointed headaches are most common and primarily seen among people of all ages.  The most common among them are migraines, which may be pointed or not. Undoubtedly, migraines can cause severe pain and may have symptoms like nausea, cold hands and other aspects like auras, light and sound sensitivity. Headaches on the top of the head due to tension are also not common. Often it is found that individuals face single pointed headaches on the top of the head near neck or temples.

Sleep deprivation headaches have become regular among people who remain awake at night due to work schedule or due to excessive stress or strain. Cold stimulus headaches are not common and last for only a few seconds. Chronic headaches, on the other hand, resemble tension headaches and often occur due to stress. It is seen that persistent loud noises or poor sleep may be pivotal for such cause. Occipital neuralgia can also be termed another case of single pointed headache. When damaged, irritated, or compressed, nerves move from the spine to the scalp, causing pain at the back of the head.  In this specific case, there can be other symptoms like dull aching or electric shock-like pain. Let’s not forget the reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), where blood vessels in the brain are the ones, which are responsible any may be responsible for strokes or bleeding.

 According to Dr. Krishnan PR - Consultant Neurologist, Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta road,   "Single pointed headaches usually go by the term primary stabbing headaches. These tend to occur in patients with regular migraines or tension headaches. They're usually benign and preventable with the appropriate medication. However, there is a rare off-chance that the primary stabbing headache could be a symptom of something far worse, like a brain tumor.” Nevertheless, single pointed headaches aren’t to be ignored but to be analyzed as soon as possible.