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What Causes Unilateral Stabbing Pain In The Temple Radiating To The Back Of The Head?
Question: I have a really weird thing that is happening..
The first time was a few weeks ago. An out of the blue stabbing pain, on my right temple, radiating a burning sensation behind my right. (Where it feels like eye will pop out) -then it goes away just as suddenly. It happened a few weeks ago (once)
Once last week.
3 days in a row this week, and now 5times today
The first time was a few weeks ago. An out of the blue stabbing pain, on my right temple, radiating a burning sensation behind my right. (Where it feels like eye will pop out) -then it goes away just as suddenly. It happened a few weeks ago (once)
Once last week.
3 days in a row this week, and now 5times today
Brief Answer:
Maybe trigeminal neuralgia
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The type of pain that you are describing can be due to abnormal function of the nerves in the area. Abnormal function of the nerves is called neuropathy.
Pain that occurs as a result of abnormal function of the nerves is called neuropathic pain or neuralgia and there are different possible causes.
It can be temporary or permanent.
The nerve that supplies this area of the face is called the trigeminal nerve and this type of pain is called trigeminal neuralgia.
Some of the possible causes are-
(1) trauma to the nerve eg if there is anything pressing on the nerve like an abnormal blood vessels
(2) infection such as shingles
(3) inflammatory diseases such as lupus or RA
(4) neurological conditions such as MS
In some persons, the cause is not found.
There are medications that can help reduce the sensations but your doctors would first want to see if a cause can be found.
Meds eg amitriptyline, tegretol, lyrica, gabapentin- all of these are used for neuropathic pain.
You would need to see your doctor for an assessment of the symptoms continue.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Maybe trigeminal neuralgia
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The type of pain that you are describing can be due to abnormal function of the nerves in the area. Abnormal function of the nerves is called neuropathy.
Pain that occurs as a result of abnormal function of the nerves is called neuropathic pain or neuralgia and there are different possible causes.
It can be temporary or permanent.
The nerve that supplies this area of the face is called the trigeminal nerve and this type of pain is called trigeminal neuralgia.
Some of the possible causes are-
(1) trauma to the nerve eg if there is anything pressing on the nerve like an abnormal blood vessels
(2) infection such as shingles
(3) inflammatory diseases such as lupus or RA
(4) neurological conditions such as MS
In some persons, the cause is not found.
There are medications that can help reduce the sensations but your doctors would first want to see if a cause can be found.
Meds eg amitriptyline, tegretol, lyrica, gabapentin- all of these are used for neuropathic pain.
You would need to see your doctor for an assessment of the symptoms continue.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What kind of tests route cause the symptoms?
Ms, shingles, and lupus?
Ms, shingles, and lupus?
Brief Answer:
Some persons diagnose base on history alone
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The history of the type of pain is important in diagnosis, it is usually characteristic.
Some doctors base the diagnosis based on the symptoms alone.
If testing is done, it may include complete blood count, ESR (checks for inflammation in the body) and imaging (eg CT scan).
Blood tests for lupus, RA (rheumatoid) and other similar conditions can also be done as well.
A neurologist may be the best person to assess you.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Some persons diagnose base on history alone
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
The history of the type of pain is important in diagnosis, it is usually characteristic.
Some doctors base the diagnosis based on the symptoms alone.
If testing is done, it may include complete blood count, ESR (checks for inflammation in the body) and imaging (eg CT scan).
Blood tests for lupus, RA (rheumatoid) and other similar conditions can also be done as well.
A neurologist may be the best person to assess you.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Michelle Gibson James, General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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