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Primary Stabbing Headache

  • Headache (R.B. Halker Singh, Section Editor)
  • Published:
Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

To provide a comprehensive and updated review of the literature on primary stabbing headache.

Recent Findings

Changes to the ICHD-3 criteria have resulted in increased sensitivity to capture primary stabbing headache (PSH). According to the ICHD-3, the sharp stabbing pain is no longer restricted to the first division of the trigeminal nerve. Age, gender, and co-morbidities such as migraine seem to influence the prevalence of PSH. Subclassification into monophasic, intermittent, and chronic forms have been proposed in a recent prospective study and may be helpful from a prognostication perspective; however, further studies are required.

Summary

Secondary etiologies for stabbing headaches are part of the differential diagnosis of primary stabbing headache; therefore, it is reasonable to perform neuroimaging. For severe frequent attacks, indomethacin continues to be considered first line. Other treatment options include COX2 inhibitors and melatonin.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, 8219-2775, Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada

    Danielle Murray & Esma Dilli

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  1. Danielle Murray
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Correspondence to Esma Dilli.

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Esma Dilli reports honoraria from Allergen and royalties from Lippincott. Danielle Murray reports no potential conflicts of interest.

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Murray, D., Dilli, E. Primary Stabbing Headache. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 19, 47 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-019-0955-6

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