Numerous conditions can cause a stabbing pain in the body. According to the MedlinePlus website, pain is a sensation triggered by the nervous system. Pain can be constant or intermittent, and the quality of pain can vary from person to person. Some people may experience pain that's deep and aching, while others may experience burning pain. Still others may develop pain that's sharp or stabbing. Stabbing pain may be intense, and it can significantly affect a person's activities of daily living.
Pulmonary Embolism
A pulmonary embolism can cause a stabbing pain in the body. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, a pulmonary embolism is a blockage in a lung artery--a blood vessel that transports oxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs. The most common cause of a pulmonary embolism is a blood clot that originates in a leg vein. A blood clot that develops in one part of the body and is transported to another area is known as an embolus. Numerous significant health complications are associated with a pulmonary embolism, including irreversible damage to the lung tissue and other organs due to insufficient blood flow, reduced oxygen levels in the blood and, in some cases, even death. Common signs and symptoms associated with a pulmonary embolism include dyspnea or shortness of breath, stabbing chest pain that's made worse with exercise, cough, excessive sweating, weak pulse and lightheadedness.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia can cause a stabbing pain in the body, especially the face. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic doloureux, is a chronic pain disorder that causes excruciating stabbing or shock-like face pain. Although the bouts of pain usually last no more than a couple of minutes, the intensity of the pain can be debilitating. Trigeminal neuralgia-related pain is usually felt on one side of the face, in the jaw or in the cheek. Trigeminal neuralgia is caused by inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve that delivers sensation or feeling to the face. Common signs and symptoms associated with trigeminal neuralgia include pain that manifests on only one side of the face, spontaneous bouts of face pain triggered by chewing, speaking or brushing the teeth, and bouts of pain that increase in frequency over time. The NINDS states that, although trigeminal neuralgia causes significant discomfort, it is not fatal.
Migraine
A migraine can cause stabbing pain in the body, especially the head. According to MayoClinic.com, migraines are chronic headaches that can last anywhere from hours to days. Migraine-related pain can be intense, stabbing and debilitating. Most migraine sufferers find that lying down in a dark, quiet place is necessary to keep symptoms in check during a migraine. In some cases, migraine sufferers may experience flashes of light, blind spots or abnormal sensations in the extremities--known as auras--before or during a migraine. Possible signs and symptoms associated with migraines include stabbing pain on one side of the head, pain that's made worse with physical activity or exercise, an inability to perform activities of daily living due to pain, nausea, vomiting, and an intolerance to light and sound. MayoClinic.com states that, although there's no cure for migraines, certain self-help remedies and lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines.
