Ice pick pain

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

I have been getting this very sharp pain intermittently in my left temple. It is very painful but only lasts a few seconds. Yesterday though I was having it about every half hour and after the acute pain subsided a slight headache remained.So I googled it - apparently it's fairly common,and they don't know what causes it. There is no real treatment but they recommend taking an NSAID. I still have it this morning so I took 2 aspirin to see if I could sorta break the cycle and make it stop. I notice this morning when I touch my temple area my pulse is throbing there, as opposed to the other temple where I can barely feel my pulse.

Does anyone get this pain - google called it "ice pick" pain - and do you have a secret for getting rid of it?

MalteseMomma · ‎03-09-2010

There is a large Crainial Nerve( forget it's name) that runs along our temple down the side of our face,you may be getting pain from it.

I had Bells Paulsy at 20yrs old and also had an eye tooth suddenly pulled that had roots in that area(lol) and have been troubled by unbearable twiching/spaisms most of my adult life.

You should get it checked out if it persists,you may be getting a bleed or something

SilleeMee · ‎05-22-2016

I know there are many reasons why some people get this kind of pain. I used to experience that type of pain in batches. One of my doctors told me that my pain could be related to herpes virus, which I have had since I can remember. Doc said it may have affected the nerves in parts of my face. I would get stabbing pains, usually near my forehead area and on the sides near the temples. Then recently I started taking a lysine supplement and now I no longer get those pains any more. I'm very happy about that.

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

wrote:
I know there are many reasons why some people get this kind of pain. I used to experience that type of pain in batches. One of my doctors told me that my pain could be related to herpes virus, which I have had since I can remember. Doc said it may have affected the nerves in parts of my face. I would get stabbing pains, usually near my forehead area and on the sides near the temples. Then recently I started taking a lysine supplement and now I no longer get those pains any more. I'm very happy about that.

@SilleeMee I also take lysine every day for recurring mystery rashes (discoid dermatitis) that could or could not be related to shingles. I increase the lysine if I feel a rash coming on. di

♥Surface of the Sun♥

Carmie · ‎10-25-2010

It might be prudent to check with your doctor instead of trying to self diagnose. It might be nothing to worry about, and it might be a symptom of something serious.

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

wrote:
I have been getting this very sharp pain intermittently in my left temple. It is very painful but only lasts a few seconds. Yesterday though I was having it about every half hour and after the acute pain subsided a slight headache remained.So I googled it - apparently it's fairly common,and they don't know what causes it. There is no real treatment but they recommend taking an NSAID. I still have it this morning so I took 2 aspirin to see if I could sorta break the cycle and make it stop. I notice this morning when I touch my temple area my pulse is throbing there, as opposed to the other temple where I can barely feel my pulse.
Does anyone get this pain - google called it "ice pick" pain - and do you have a secret for getting rid of it?

@151949 No, I do not have this.........but have you thought it might be eye strain?

♥Surface of the Sun♥

151949 · ‎03-09-2010

@Desertdi I wasn't doing anything that would cause eye strain yesterday - walking around in the new house while DH discussed with the electrician where he wants the fixtures installed. Since there were no lights as yet it was only softly lit by the outside daylight.

DianeJ2 · ‎08-07-2015

I definately sympathize with you! That throbbing really hurts when you touch your temple. I tend to get this on my left temple and it seems to be when I'm about to get a migraine from tmj or sinus infection. Advil, muscle rub (or my amitryptline& sinus meds next if adviil not helping) all can do until goes away.

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

I have had this. I have also wondered if I might have temporal arteritis. I decided that if it keeps coming back and/or increases in frequency I would mention it to my doctor. Knowing him, he’d probably suggest an arteriogram as first step rather than last, so not anxious to do that. As it is, it happens every couple of months for a day or two and that’s it.

Life without Mexican food is no life at all

Slainte · ‎03-16-2010

I have had ice pick pain in my head on the left side about 4 inches above my left ear. It feels just like an icepick has been stabbed into my head. The pain only lasts a few seconds, but it hurts. My doctor did a sed rate blood test to check for inflammation and temporal arteritis which was negative. Mine comes and goes and has for over 20 years. I've never been able to tell what triggers it or why it eases off.

I do recommend you see your doctor. I have never had the throbbing pulse, but if I had I would have wanted it checked out.

Good luck. I hope the pain goes away.