Sudden, Sharp Pain on Upper Left Side of Head? Seeking Advice

Posted by abba @abba, Aug 11, 2024

71-year-old male . Looking for insight into a sudden and puzzling issue I've been having.
About two weeks ago, I started experiencing sharp shooting, electric-shock feeling pain on the upper left side of my head, roughly 5 inches above the ear. The pain is isolated to this exact spot and doesn’t start at the base of the head. Along with the pain, the scalp in this area becomes sore to the touch and feels warm. The sensation extends to the body, but temperature returns to normal after the pain subsides.
This is the first time I've had pain like this, and it started suddenly on July 31, 2024. Now it occurs multiple times a day. During these episodes, the pain is excruciating (10/10), and I’ve had head jerking and body jolts due to the shock-like sensation.
I went to the ER almost daily from July 31 until August 5, when they admitted me due to the frequent visits. They treated me with various medications, including:
- Gabapentin 300 mg
- Tramadol (37.5 mg) + Paracetamol (325 mg)
- Codeine Phosphate 10 mg + Paracetamol 500 mg
- Ibuprofen (400 mg) + Paracetamol (325 mg)
- Indomethacin
A Neurologist did a physical exam and ordered MRI and MRV scans of my head, which came back clear. The neurologist suggested it might be a migraine and prescribed Gabapentin 300 mg (twice a day) and Indomethacin 25 mg (three times a day) for the next 7 days. The pain is intermittent, occurring every 8 to 24 hours or so, and continues until the painkillers take effect.
I’m baffled by how this issue appeared suddenly and continues for the past two weeks. Has anyone experienced something similar, or do you have any suggestions on what might be causing this and what I should do next?

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Randy Shields | @randallshields56 | 5 days ago

In reply to @note48makertg "Why does the head pain happen on the left side? Information I read said it happens..." + (show)

I get so many parts in 24 hrs that hurt different areas. I can't pick one
out for you and make a statement.

terlato | @terlato | 4 days ago

In reply to @californiazebra "Like some of you, at different times I’ve also had pain from my right temple into..." + (show)

@californiazebra
I deal with some of the same issues. I also have a rare neurological condition call hereditary nerve pressure palsy HNPP which causes so many issues. Now I have Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia. Can’t take drugs to help it because of the toxic reactions.
My muscles always hurt and at night it is worse.
I would like to know what you take for pain and do you have to be careful on any drugs that might be prescribed. I live in Las Vegas and the doctors have no idea about this even my neurologist! Very frustrating.

Zebra | @californiazebra | 4 days ago

In reply to @terlato "@californiazebra I deal with some of the same issues. I also have a rare neurological condition..." + (show)

@terlato
I don’t take anything for pain. Narcotics don’t help my pain at all and I just have lots of side effects. I’m allergic to all NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, etc. Tylenol doesn’t help my pain at all.

suszy39 | @suszy39 | 3 days ago

In reply to @californiazebra "@terlato I don’t take anything for pain. Narcotics don’t help my pain at all and I..." + (show)

@californiazebra My first pain began on right side on my neck. Goes up side on my head for
many years, Now the left side has begun. Waiting for my Insurance for Botox (that seems to help
most of us).My Neurolgist is trying my on Cymbalta taking one a day? she says it will take a little
while to work a nerve pain? Trying to do PT tells me to help? I am trying anything.
Good Luck to all of us!

Zebra | @californiazebra | 3 days ago

In reply to @suszy39 "@californiazebra My first pain began on right side on my neck. Goes up side on my..." + (show)

@suszy39
Thanks for your suggestions. I hope Cymbalta works for you. My nerve pain comes and goes and I tend to react differently poorly to meds so I just ride it out. The day the pain never stops I may be willing to try something new. I appreciate the input.

suszy39 | @suszy39 | 3 days ago

In reply to @californiazebra "@suszy39 Thanks for your suggestions. I hope Cymbalta works for you. My nerve pain comes and..." + (show)

@californiazebra I understand, they had me on Gavapanton about 2 yrs. I did not see any
improvement I took myself off gradully. am hopeful this might work, she said it could be weeks.
I did have a wonderful relief last night, my Neuoglist thought a certain massage therapy might
help. I had been suffering with headach pain level was about 6-7. They work on my neck, head and upper shoulders, upper back 45min. I have never been so relieved. The pain was gone for
about 5hrs. it slowly came back to maybe #3-4. I slepted on my new ALLSETT HEALTH CERVICAL NECK ROLL (actually slepted on my side for the first time in months) These little things mean a lot. The Clinical Massage Therarpy is privately owned in a small town close
to Roseville Calif. Called Rocklin perhaps you could search for something like this.

Zebra | @californiazebra | 3 days ago

In reply to @suszy39 "@californiazebra I understand, they had me on Gavapanton about 2 yrs. I did not see any..." + (show)

@suszy39
So glad you’re finding some relief! That neck roll is something like how I got rid of the occipital neuralgia. Thanks for the info. I appreciate it.

suszy39 | @suszy39 | 6 hours ago

In reply to @californiazebra "@suszy39 So glad you’re finding some relief! That neck roll is something like how I got..." + (show)

@californiazebra The Meds "Cymbalta" did not work out. Mild nausea, shaky and could not sleep. they are going to try another next week. I am feeling pretty good right now.

Zebra | @californiazebra | 3 hours ago

In reply to @suszy39 "@californiazebra The Meds "Cymbalta" did not work out. Mild nausea, shaky and could not sleep. they..." + (show)

@suszy39
I’ve read a lot of comments on here about Cymbalta and it seems like the side effects outweigh the benefits for most people. Hope the next med works for you.