ice pick headache

Welcome to Ouch, sorry you have to be here.

Ice pick headache is a nickname for Cluster Headache. I don't know who diagnosed your condition or what medication you are using, but you should at least have been referred to a Neurologist who specialises in headache disorders.

You should be prescribed at least one of the following:

Sumatriptan injections or nasal sprays.

High flow, 100% oxygen.

Gammacore nerve stimulation.

I strongly suggest you call our helpline. Discussing treatment will be much quicker over the phone than any forum posts.

hello i know the cluster is also ice pick i have all of the above you talk about plus 2 greater ocipital nerve blocks every 3 months nothing is helping this time i have been A CHRONIC CH SUFFER SINCE 2008 

Sorry Mary, I know how hard it is to give detailed information when you're suffering so badly. Thank you.

I guess you've already contacted your Neurologist, so you probably also know about medication over-use or rebound headaches, I can only offer tricks that sufferers have mentioned in the past, like chugging a cold energy drink, or a hot/cold shower when the attack starts.

I'd still give the advice line a ring: A lot of our volunteers are chronic or supporters of chronic sufferers, they may be in a better position to help.

I'll see if I can find out anything useful from them too.

If you haven't tried Frovatriptan tablets, they may buy you a few days relief, but they work less each time you use them. Your GP should be able to prescribe those.

The National Migraine Centre may be able to assist. You can fill in an online form on their website. Apparently they prioritise Cluster Headache sufferers in crisis, which you definitely are.