In short
Ice pick headaches are brief, sharp, stabbing pains in the head that last a few seconds, either alone or in a series. They’re usually harmless and are more common in people who have migraine. A new pattern, stabs always in exactly the same spot, or stabs with other symptoms are worth checking.
On this page
What is an ice pick headache?
Ice pick headache, also called primary stabbing headache, causes sudden, sharp, stabbing pains in the head. They’re described as feeling like being jabbed with an ice pick or needle.
Symptoms
- A single stab or a series of stabs
- Each stab lasts a few seconds
- Stabs come irregularly, from once to many times a day
- The location can move around the head, often around the eye, temple or side of the head
- No other symptoms, such as a red eye or runny nose
Headaches taking whole days away?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
Who gets them?
Primary stabbing headache is common, and is especially common in people who have migraine or cluster headache. Stabs sometimes happen in the same area as their usual headaches.
Are ice pick headaches serious?
Usually not. A review in Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports describes primary stabbing headache as a benign condition in most people. Occasionally, stabbing pain is linked to another cause, so a doctor will check for features that don’t fit.
When to see a doctor
See a GP if:
- stabbing headaches are new, especially over the age of 50
- they always occur in exactly the same spot
- they come with other symptoms, such as a red, watering eye, numbness, weakness or vision changes
- they’re frequent and affecting your life
Call 000 for a sudden severe headache, or headache with weakness, confusion or trouble speaking.
Treatment
Because the stabs are so brief, usually no treatment is needed for each one. If they are very frequent, a doctor can talk about preventive options. Managing migraine, if you have it, often reduces stabbing headaches too.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Murray D, Dilli E. Primary Stabbing Headache. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2019;19(7):47.
- . Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. Cephalalgia. 2018;38(1):1-211.
- Robbins MS. Diagnosis and Management of Headache: A Review. JAMA. 2021;325(18):1874-1885.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.