Ophthalmodynia periodica is also known as "ice-pick headache", is a
primary headache disorder
The International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) is a detailed hierarchical classification of all headache-related disorders published by the International Headache Society. It is considered the official classification of headaches ...
, 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
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."
Diagnosis
The following
diagnostic criteria
Medical diagnosis (abbreviated Dx, Dx, or Ds) is the process of determining which disease or condition explains a person's symptoms and signs. It is most often referred to as diagnosis with the medical context being implicit. The information req ...
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"
Classification
The
International Headache Society
The International Headache Society (IHS) is a London-based charity membership organisation that was founded in 1981 for those with a professional commitment to helping people affected by headache disorders and facial pains. In 1994, the IHS was ...
classifies ophthalmodynia periodica as a
primary stabbing headache.
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.
References
External links
WebMd article on Ice Pick HeadachesHealthline article on Ice Pick HeadachesPrimary Stabbing Headaches
{{Headache
Headaches