[21F] Experiencing sudden sharp eye pain and headache

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

• Eye Strain: Eye strain can occur when your eyes get tired from intense use, such as while driving long distances or staring at computer screens and other digital devices. Eye twitching can be a symptom of eye strain. The discomfort can usually be eased by rest, change in habits, or correcting underlying vision problems.
• Tension Headache: This is a common type of headache characterized by a dull, aching sensation all around your head. It's often described as a feeling of a tight band or dull ache around the forehead or back of the head and neck. They are often related to stress, depression, or anxiety. Overuse of alcohol, skipping meals, lack of sleep, and poor posture can also contribute to having tension headaches.
• Muscle Strain: Muscle strain, muscle pull, or even a muscle tear refers to damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons. This can occur as a result of fatigue, overuse, or improper use of a muscle. Strains can happen in any muscle but they're most common in your lower back, neck, shoulder, and hamstring.

What you can do

• Eye Strain: Rest your eyes. Every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet in front of you for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eyestrain. Also, make sure your glasses or contact lens prescription is up to date and adequate for computer use.
• Tension Headache: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may help. However, be careful. Overuse of such drugs can cause medication-overuse headaches. If you're taking these medications regularly, talk to your doctor.
• Muscle Strain: Rest the strained muscle and apply ice. Pain relievers like ibuprofen can also help. See a doctor if pain is severe or doesn't improve.

What you should look out for

If any of the following occur, you should seek immediate medical attention:

• Sudden, severe headache or sudden headache associated with a stiff neck
• Headaches associated with fever, convulsions, or accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness
• Headaches following a blow to the head, or associated with pain in the eye or ear
• Persistent headache in a person who was previously headache free
• Recurring headache in children
• Headache with signs of systemic illness, such as rash, stiff neck or fever

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.