Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Headache on the right side but always only brief.

January 13, 2021 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Hello.
Since yesterday morning, I have been experiencing regular pain on the right side of my head. The pain goes away for a few minutes and then comes back. It is a kind of stabbing pain. I took an Ibuprofen 400 this morning after breakfast, but it did not get better.
I have never experienced anything like this before. Everyone gets headaches sometimes, but I am not familiar with this kind of headache. It is starting to worry me.
My right eye briefly itched and turned red this morning, but I did not rub it and it went away again. I hope it is not cluster headaches, but the symptoms do not match. Maybe you can help me.
Two days ago, I cleaned my ears with a cotton swab and went in very deep, possibly moving it too forcefully. Could this pain be related to my ear? Best regards.

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good morning,

Sharp pains originate from nerves, and the neck is particularly suspect in this case. Ear pain can also radiate to the head. By the way, a cotton swab does not belong in the ear, just like you wouldn't clean your intestines with a bottle brush...

If a nerve is irritated, just taking one pain pill won't be enough, you'll need to take three a day for a few days. In addition, neck exercises and applying heat can help. If it doesn't get better, please see a doctor.

Cluster headache is sharp and unbearable, that doesn't fit.

Best regards, Dr. Gehring