Danielle Murray1, Esma Dilli2. 1. Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, 8219-2775, Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada. 2. Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, 8219-2775, Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada. esma.dilli@vch.ca.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a comprehensive and updated review of the literature on primary stabbing headache. RECENT FINDINGS: Changes to the ICHD-3 criteria have resulted in increased sensitivity to capture primary stabbing headache (PSH). According to the ICHD-3, the sharp stabbing pain is no longer restricted to the first division of the trigeminal nerve. Age, gender, and co-morbidities such as migraine seem to influence the prevalence of PSH. Subclassification into monophasic, intermittent, and chronic forms have been proposed in a recent prospective study and may be helpful from a prognostication perspective; however, further studies are required. Secondary etiologies for stabbing headaches are part of the differential diagnosis of primary stabbing headache; therefore, it is reasonable to perform neuroimaging. For severe frequent attacks, indomethacin continues to be considered first line. Other treatment options include COX2 inhibitors and melatonin.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a comprehensive and updated review of the literature on primary stabbing headache. RECENT FINDINGS: Changes to the ICHD-3 criteria have resulted in increased sensitivity to capture primary stabbing headache (PSH). According to the ICHD-3, the sharp stabbing pain is no longer restricted to the first division of the trigeminal nerve. Age, gender, and co-morbidities such as migraine seem to influence the prevalence of PSH. Subclassification into monophasic, intermittent, and chronic forms have been proposed in a recent prospective study and may be helpful from a prognostication perspective; however, further studies are required. Secondary etiologies for stabbing headaches are part of the differential diagnosis of primary stabbing headache; therefore, it is reasonable to perform neuroimaging. For severe frequent attacks, indomethacin continues to be considered first line. Other treatment options include COX2 inhibitors and melatonin.
Entities:
Keywords:
Ice pick headache; Idiopathic stabbing headache; Jabs and jolts headache; Primary stabbing headache; Sharp short-lived head pain