Objectives: To describe clinical characteristics of cephalic jabs.
Material and methods: In a population study in Vågå, Norway, 1838 18-65-year-old-parishioners (88.6% of the target group) were subjected to a semi-structured interview, based on a headache questionnaire.
Results: Of 627 cases of jabs, 68% had single jabs; 4% volleys, and 28% a mixture of volleys and singlets. Most individuals had experienced only few jabs. Exceptionally, there were multiple attacks per day, even per hour. The ratio between an anterior and posterior location was 2.6. Neck movements and Valsalva manoeuvres seemingly occasionally precipitated attacks. Attacks were generally of mild/moderate intensity. Unilaterality prevailed over bilaterality; but unilateral pain might shift side.
Conclusion: Cephalic jabs are generally solitary paroxysms, with rather long intervals between attacks. Jabs do not only occur in the trigeminal area. Occasionally vocalization and more frequently jolts accompany the paroxysm.