When should you seek medical treatment for stabbing pain in the back of the head?

Regardless of the location of headache pain, one should seek emergency medical attention for any sudden, severe headache or headache accompanied by confusion, fever, nausea, numbness on one side of the body or neck stiffness, advises Mayo Clinic. These symptoms could indicate conditions such as aneurysm, stroke, meningitis or encephalitis.

While occasional headaches are common and not the result of serious illness, they should not disrupt sleep, work or normal activities, notes Mayo Clinic. A person should schedule an exam with a primary care provider if headache pain increases in severity or frequency or does not respond to over-the-counter medication.