Ophthalmodynia periodica
| Ophthalmodynia periodica | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Needle-in-the-eye syndrome, sharp short-lived head pain,[1] jabs and jolts syndrome[2] | 
Ophthalmodynia periodica, also known as "ice-pick headache", is a primary headache disorder, so it is not caused by any other conditions.
Signs and symptoms
- Stabbing sensations, usually in one area of the head
 - Pain may move to different areas of the head
 - Pain lasts for a few seconds ("usually 5–30")
 - Pain appears out of nowhere
 - Pain is completely gone after each occurrence
 - Each occurrence happens at varied frequencies[3]
 
Cause
Ophthalmodynia periodica does not have a confirmed cause, being a primary headache, but can be identified with other primary conditions. "As many as 40% of all individuals with ice pick headaches have also been diagnosed as suffering with some form of migraine headache."[4]
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic criteria are given for ophthalmodynia periodica:
- Head pain occurring as a single stab or a series of stabs
 - Can be felt in the areas surrounding the eyes and temples but is "typically felt on the top, front, or sides of the head"
 - Pain lasting only a few seconds with irregular frequency
 - No cranial autonomic symptoms
 - "Not attributed to another disorder"[5]
 
Classification
The International Headache Society classifies ophthalmodynia periodica as a primary stabbing headache.[6]
Epidemiology
Ophthalmodynia periodica was first discovered by a doctor in 1964, where the disorder was first referred to as ophthalmodynia periodica. Since then, the disorder has been referred to as idiopathic stabbing headache.[7]
References
- ↑ "Ice Pick Headaches - The Basics". Health Central. Remedy Health Media. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
 - ↑ "Idiopathic stabbing headache". Med Link. Med Link Corporation. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
 - ↑ "Ice Pick Headaches". Ice Pick Headaches. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
 - ↑ "IHS Classification ICHD - II". IHS Classification. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
 - ↑ "IHS Classification ICHD - II". IHS Classification. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
 - ↑ "IHS Classification ICHD - II". IHS Classification. Retrieved 20 March 2015.
 - ↑ "Idiopathic stabbing headache". Med Link. Med Link Corporation. Retrieved 20 March 2015.