Ophthalmodynia periodica

Ophthalmodynia periodica, also known as "ice-pick headache", is a primary headache disorder, so it is not caused by any other conditions.

Signs and symptoms

 * 1) Stabbing sensations, usually in one area of the head
 * 2) Pain may move to different areas of the head
 * 3) Pain lasts for a few seconds ("usually 5–30")
 * 4) Pain appears out of nowhere
 * 5) Pain is completely gone after each occurrence
 * 6) Each occurrence happens at varied frequencies

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."

Diagnosis
The following diagnostic criteria are given for ophthalmodynia periodica:


 * 1) Head pain occurring as a single stab or a series of stabs
 * 2) Can be felt in the areas surrounding the eyes and temples but is "typically felt on the top, front, or sides of the head"
 * 3) Pain lasting only a few seconds with irregular frequency
 * 4) No cranial autonomic symptoms
 * 5) "Not attributed to another disorder"

Classification
The International Headache Society classifies ophthalmodynia periodica as a primary stabbing headache.

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.