Hello doctor,I have had an off and on intense pain in the back right of my head (not at the base of my neck. In the occipital area). It started a week ago. It comes and goes very quickly, feels like a very intense stabbing feeling, then stops. It can happen a few times or several times in the day. I do not have any other neurological symptoms. I have had occipital neuralgia after a car accident before and have a history of tension headaches and this does not feel like either of those. In the past year I have had an MRI (for vision issues) and I think it was with contrast dye, but I cannot remember. I have also had a CT scan after I had melanoma removed. No dye with that one. I am afraid I have something dangerous in my head because I have this intense, localized, intermittent pain in the same spot.
Hello. Your symptoms are not suggestive of any serious medical disorder (including a brain tumor). You should know that a brain tumor, usually does not cause intermittent sharp pain (which is typical of a nerve pain), but progressive headaches mainly during the night and in laying down position, with nausea in the morning. Other symptoms like blurring vision, gait problems, etc. may be present. So, you can understand that it does not seem to be your case. Occipital neuralgia seems to be the most probable cause of your complaints, although you say to have a different type of pain. Coming to this point, I suggest taking Indomethacin twice daily (if no contraindications) for some days, coupled with an antiacid or PPI (Omeprazole) to protect your stomach. Hope you will find this answer helpful. For more information consult a neurologist online -->