The Shattering Pain of SUNCT Headaches: How One Woman Finally Found Answers
For over a decade, Patti Glover’s life was interrupted by excruciating headaches that felt like someone was stabbing her with an ice pick. Each episode lasted only a few seconds, but the stabbing pain was so intense that it left Patti fearing for her life. Could she be suffering from a brain aneurysm like her grandfather, who died suddenly from one when she was just 14 years old?
Understanding Stabbing Headaches
Stabbing headaches, also known as "ice pick headaches," are characterized by intense, sharp pain that typically lasts only seconds. They can occur sporadically and may be mistaken for more serious conditions like aneurysms. While generally harmless, these headaches can be extremely distressing.
Possible Causes
- Primary stabbing headache: Often occurring in people with migraines or cluster headaches.
- Cluster headaches: Known for their severe pain, usually around one eye.
- Other neurological conditions: Less commonly, they can be associated with underlying neurological disorders.
Cost of Medical Evaluation and Treatment
The cost of diagnosing and treating headaches can vary widely. Initial consultations with a neurologist can range from $100 to $500, while imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000, depending on insurance coverage and location.
Local Tips for Patients
For those residing in areas with limited access to specialists, telemedicine can offer a valuable alternative for initial consultations. Additionally, joining local headache support groups can provide emotional support and valuable information on managing symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I differentiate between an ice pick headache and a more serious condition?
- If you experience sudden, severe headaches, especially if they are new to you, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider. They can rule out serious conditions through a physical exam and, if necessary, imaging tests.
- What treatments are available for stabbing headaches?
- Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications for migraines or cluster headaches, and preventive therapies. A healthcare professional can tailor treatment to the individual's needs.
- When should I see a doctor about my headaches?
- Seek medical advice if you experience sudden, severe headaches, headaches that increase in intensity or frequency, or if they are accompanied by symptoms like vision changes or weakness.
Patti, then in her 30s, kept her terrifying headaches to herself for over a year. When she finally sought medical help, the search for answers turned into a long and frustrating journey. Neurologists ordered multiple tests, including MRIs and CT scans, but nothing abnormal showed up. One doctor even suggested her headaches were psychosomatic, and others diagnosed her with migraines, despite the fact that her symptoms didn’t match.
It wasn’t until Patti met a headache specialist nearly a decade later that she finally got the answers she had been seeking. The specialist asked new questions: Did her eye tear up during the headaches? Had she ever experienced head trauma? Patti realized her right eye always teared up during an attack, and she had indeed suffered a head injury as a child.
Finally, Patti was diagnosed with SUNCT (short-lasting, unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing), a rare and excruciating form of headache disorder. SUNCT headaches are characterized by sharp, stabbing pain on one side of the head, accompanied by eye tearing and redness.
What is SUNCT?
SUNCT headaches are one of the most painful forms of neuralgiform headaches and are believed to originate in the trigeminal nerve, which sends sensory signals from the face to the brain. Attacks can happen frequently throughout the day, and while they last only seconds, the intensity of the pain is often unbearable. In some cases, SUNCT is linked to head trauma, as it was in Patti’s case.
Finding Relief
After years of ineffective treatments, Patti finally found some relief with a combination of medication and therapy for PTSD, which helped her cope with the physical and emotional toll of her condition. Most recently, after undergoing gallbladder surgery, she noticed a reduction in her attacks, giving her hope for a better future.
Patti’s story is a reminder that not all headaches are created equal, and it’s important to seek out specialists who can ask the right questions. If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms or have been misdiagnosed, it’s critical to keep advocating for your health. Patti’s journey shows us that persistence and finding the right doctor can make all the difference.
