ICD-10 G44.800 | ||
Ophthalmodynia periodica is also referred to as "ice-pick headache", "needle-in-the-eye syndrome", and "sharp short-lived head pain." Ophthalmodynia periodica is considered a primary headache disorder, so it is not caused by any other conditions. Another well-known name for ophthalmodynia periodica is "jabs and jolts syndrome."
Contents
Classification
The International Headache Society classifies ophthalmodynia periodica as a primary stabbing headache.
Diagnostic criteria
The following diagnostic criteria are given for ophthalmodynia periodica:
- Head pain occurring as a single stab or a series of stabs
- Solely felt in the areas surrounding the eyes and temples
- Pain lasting only a few seconds with irregular frequency
- No additional symptoms
- "Not attributed to another disorder"
Epidemiology
Ophthalmodynia periodica was first discovered by a doctor in 1964, where the disorder was first referred to as ophthalmodynia periodica. Since then, the disorder has been referred to as idiopathic stabbing headache.
Cause
Ophthalmodynia periodica does not have a confirmed cause, being a primary headache, but can be identified with other primary conditions. "As many as 40% of all individuals with ice pick headaches have also been diagnosed as suffering with some form of migraine headache."
Symptoms
- Stabbing sensations, usually in one area of the head
- Pain may move to different areas of the head
- Pain lasts for a few seconds ("usually 5-30")
- Pain appears out of nowhere
- Pain is completely gone after each occurrence
- Each occurrence happens at varied frequencies