The key difference between ice pick and thunderclap headache is that ice pick headache is a type of headache that causes multiple bursts of pain that last a few seconds, while thunderclap headache is a type of headache that causes sudden clap of thunder-like pain that lasts longer.
There are different types of headaches, including tension headaches, migraine headaches, cluster headaches, hemicranias continua, ice pick headaches, thunderclap headaches, allergy headaches, hormone headaches, caffeine headaches, exertion headaches, hypertension headaches, rebound headaches, post-traumatic headaches, spinal headaches. Sometimes, a headache goes away by itself very soon. But in some cases, a headache needs immediate medical attention.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Ice Pick Headache
3. What is Thunderclap Headache
4. Similarities – Ice Pick and Thunderclap Headache
5. Ice Pick vs Thunderclap Headache in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Ice Pick vs Thunderclap Headache
What is Ice Pick Headache?
Ice pick headache is a type of headache that causes multiple bursts of pain that last a few seconds. Ice pick headache comes on unexpectedly and lasts a few seconds. It is also known as a stabbing headache, jabs and jolts syndrome, needle-in-the-eye syndrome, ophthalmodynia periodica, and sharp, short-lived head pain. Ice pick headache usually occurs in 2% of people worldwide. But one Norwegian study has found it affects 1 in 3 people. The causes of ice pick headaches include health conditions such as shingles, meningioma, or multiple sclerosis. The symptoms of this condition include a series of quick pain that lasts less than three seconds, head pain happening without warning, head pain moving from front to back, head pain moving from right to left, and head pain occurring once a day or several times a day.
Moreover, ice pick headaches can be diagnosed through physical and clinical evaluation and imaging tests like MRI. Furthermore, treatment options for ice-pick headaches include headache medications, melatonin to reduce migraine frequency, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin.
What is Thunderclap Headache?
A thunderclap headache is a type of headache that causes a sudden clap of thunder-like pain which lasts longer. Thunderclap headache occurs in less than 50 out of 100,000 adults each year. It causes the most intense pain at its onset. The causes of thunderclap headaches include cough, heavy exercises, exertion, or sexual activity, and blood vessel issues in the brain, such as brain aneurysms. The symptoms of thunderclap headache include sudden and severe pain that becomes most intense within seconds and last at least five minutes, numbness, weakness, speech problems, nausea, vomiting, seizures, change in vision, and confusion.
Moreover, thunderclap headache is diagnosed through medical history, physical examination, CT scan, spinal tap, MRI, and magnetic resonance angiography. Furthermore, thunderclap headaches can be treated by managing the underlying condition, giving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medicine, and swelling-reducing medicines.
What are the Similarities Between Ice Pick and Thunderclap Headache?
- Ice pick and thunderclap headaches are two common types of headaches.
- Both headaches have similar symptoms, such as quick or sudden head pain in different areas of the head.
- They can be caused by underlying conditions.
- They are treated through medications such as pain relievers.
What is the Difference Between Ice Pick and Thunderclap Headache?
Ice pick headache is a type of headache that causes multiple bursts of pain that last a few seconds, while thunderclap headache is a type of headache that causes sudden clap of thunder-like pain which lasts longer. Thus, this is the key difference between ice pick and thunderclap headache. Furthermore, ice pick headache is a less severe type of headache, while thunderclap headache is a more severe type of headache.
The below infographic presents the differences between ice pick and thunderclap headache in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – Ice Pick vs Thunderclap Headache
Ice pick and thunderclap headaches are two common types of headaches. Both conditions can cause quick or sudden head pain. However, ice pick headache is a type of headache that causes multiple bursts of pain which last a few seconds, while thunderclap headache is a type of headache that causes sudden clap of thunder-like pain which lasts longer. So, this is the key difference between ice pick and thunderclap headache.
Reference:
1. “Ice Pick Headaches – Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment.” WebMD.
2. “Thunderclap Headaches: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Coup injury” By Scientific Animations (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Headache” By Injurymap – InjuryMap – Free Human Anatomy Images and Pictures. (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia