Sharp Headache
Each one of us suffers from mild or sharp headaches at some time or the other in our lives. While you suffer from headache, you should pay attention to your symptoms so that you can describe your condition accurately to your doctor. There are different types of headaches and hundreds of causes of headache. So, it is difficult for a doctor to determine the exact cause of mild or sharp headache. Physical or emotional stress is the most common cause of sharp headache.
Sharp headache pain on backside is the pain that begins in the back of the head and upper neck as a band-like tightness or pressure. Migraine can lead to sharp headache pain on one side. Despite sharp headache, most people are able to finish their routine work. Sharp and recurring headaches should not be left untreated as they can be one of the symptoms of serious underlying diseases. Sharp head pains can occur frequently and even daily in some people. The quality, quantity and duration of the pain, associated symptoms like nausea or vomiting, will determine the reason behind sharp headache.
Over the counter pain relievers work great for sharp headache pain and can be taken once in a while. But for recurring sharp pain in head, physical examination is necessary to determine the exact cause of headache.
Sharp Headache Causes
* Constipation: Constipation is a very common cause of sharp headache. Though it appears as a simple reason behind headache, it can result in digestive system dysfunction due to some severe problems like tumors or adhesion or cancers etc.
* Sinusitis: Sinus headaches are also very common all over the world. Sinus headaches give rise to sharp pain in head behind eyes or behind ear. Constant headache or sharp headache when bending over, is the common symptom noticed in people suffering from chronic sinusitis.
* Brain Tumor: Brain tumors, brain injuries or brain cancer can lead to sharp headache. Therefore it is necessary to consult the physician and undergo various examinations to determine the exact cause of sharp headache. The earlier the diagnosis, greater are the chances of fast recovery. Read about brain tumor headaches.
* Meningitis: Meningitis is the condition wherein inflammation of the meninges, i.e., tissues surrounding brain and the spinal cord occurs due to bacterial or viral infection. This is a very serious condition. Stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, seizures or unconsciousness, loss of appetite, sharp pain in entire head are some of the most common symptoms of meningitis.
* Allergies: Allergies can lead to sharp headache. If you are allergic to any kind of food, chemical, pollens, etc. then it is better to stay away from such allergens. You should avoid eating the food which contains allergens. You should cover your nose, eyes, ears, head well, to keep yourself away from the allergens whenever or wherever there is possibility of facing any type of allergens.
* Encephalitis: Encephalitis is caused by enteroviruses or other bacteria and viruses that enter your body through insect bites, food or drink or skin contact. Viral or bacterial infection causes encephalitis which is one of the most prominent causes of headaches leading to the inflammation of the brain. There are innumerable parasites that can cause encephalitis. Sharp headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, confusion, convulsions and fever are the other encephalitis symptoms.
* Other Causes: Change in sleep pattern, excessive smoking, alcohol abuse, drugs consumption, consumption of specific foods, excessive use of pain killers or some other medicines, irregular and unhealthy diet leading to vitamins or nutrients deficiency, extreme weather conditions like too hot or too cold weather, eye problems, outset of puberty, premenstrual syndrome, high blood pressure, hypothyroidism, dehydration, renal failure, problems with ear, nose, teeth and neck, flu, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, etc., can lead to sharp headache. Read about hormonal headaches.
One who experiences sharp headache tends to be restless. Some people often pace the floor or some even bang their heads against a wall. Prompt medical attention is required if sharp headache is different than your usual headache and is associated with persistent nausea, vomiting, fever, stiff neck, seizures, head trauma or a fall, change in sensation, weakness or changes in vision, speech or behavior. If the sharp headache does not subside with one dose of over the counter medicine and if it is interfering with work and quality of life, then you should immediately consult your physician.
By Leena Palande