Primary Stabbing Headache

What is a Primary Stabbing Headache?

Described as if an ice-pick is suddenly being jammed behind one eye, a primary stabbing headache is brief and painful. The pain may be very intense, even to the point of stopping a patient in his tracks. Fortunately, a primary stabbing headache typically lasts only seconds to a minute or so.

They are more common in patients with migraines and often respond to the prescription anti-inflammatory medication indomethacin or the hormonal food supplement melatonin.