Rythmic pain lastin 5 seconds, every minute or so.

by PALLINE PLUM
(RICHMOND, IN)

THIS STARTED LAST NIGHT AND WAS QUITE INTENSE FOR SEVERAL HOURS, NOW MUCH LESS SO.

SEEMS LIKE GAS PAINS , IN THAT IT STARTS IN THE UPPER LEFT BACK PART OF MY HEAD, AND THEN MOVES DOWN THE BACK OF MY HEAD . IT LASTS ABOUT 5 SECONDS AND THEN REOCCURS ABOUT 40-50 SECONDS LATER.

I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS. I HAD HOPED SLEEP WOULD TAKE CARE OF IT, BUT IT SEEMS TO HAVE CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.

SHOULD I BE WORRIED?

Answer

Hi Palline,

What you are describing sounds like spasmotic pain. As the muscles of the scalp go into spasm, (for whatever reason), they tend to "grab" the superficial nerves. This creates a sharp stabbing pain that lasts for a few seconds until the spasm is over.

The nerves feedback the pain down the major nerve on each side of the back of the head, the greater occipital nerve.

Causes? Head injuries, even mild whiplash can cause it. Over exercising too, including lifting weights or something heavy.

If you are not having any other symptoms it will probably resolve on its own. If it continues, see your doctor as a gentle anti-spasmotic might help, as will a hot shower and an anti-inflammatory such as Motrin or Aleve.

Good Luck!

Mary Kay Betz, MS RPA-C