Stabbing pains in top right side of head started one week ago, usually followed by tight band feeling around back of head. could it be serious?

Probably not life-: threatening, but all headaches are serious because they impact your functioning so much. 90% of all headaches are tension headaches brought on by stress and involving the tightening or tensing of facial and neck muscles. Chronic muscle-contraction headaches may last for weeks or months. The tight band is often described. With stabbing feature, I would seek medical evaluation. Good wishes:)

Headache.: Although headaches can be serious, this sounds like a tension headache which is painful, but not serious. If the headache started suddenly, is associated with fever, neck stdffnes or light hurts your eyes if would get checked.