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Topic: Do I have cluster headaches? (Read 335 times) |
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jhawk
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Do I have cluster headaches?
« on: Aug 17th, 2004, 9:32am » |
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I recently discovered this site while doing research on cluster headaches. It appears that I have several of the symtoms of cluster headaches, but I am not sure of the next course of action. I am 57 years old, and have experienced what I thought were sinus headaches all my life. However, it seemed to get worse after I turned 40. At first I thought I was developing an allergic reaction to alcohol because I frequently got a headache after having a drink. However, there was no pattern to the affect - sometimes I would get a headache from one drink or beer, and the next time I could have several without a problem. It was like "Russian Roulette".
Here is a description of my symtoms of the headaches:
The pain is almost alway behind my right eye. At times it feels like someone is poking a hot wire in my eye. The headaches usually occur at night, and for some time now are starting to wake me up. Then they come and go with varying intensity - almost in a wave-like action. Frequently, if I get up the pain will subside, but not completely go away. I will have the headaches for a day, or sometimes they will last for 3-4 days. It usually makes me feel nauseated, and I am not able to get relief with asperin or other pain relievers. My right eye lid seems to droop, and it takes extra effort to open my eye. After a series of headaches, my right eye will also be bloodshot. It seems as though my sinuses are "stuffy" on the right side as well, but I cannot get relief from nose sprays.
A major difference from what I have read is the intensity of the headaches - I do not seem to experience the extreme level of pain others describe (I have a high pain tolerance due to living with severe arthritis in my knees as a result of five knee surgeries that were sports related). However, the headaches that I have experienced recently seem to be more intense. There have been two occasions when I was completely incapacitated by headaches. Each time, the first thought was that I had a sinus infection, but that was not the problem. I was then referred to a dentist with the thought that I had an dental problem. Again, no problem. Utimately I received a shot of Demerol, and eventually the pain went away.
Do I have cluster headaches, and what should be my next course of action.
Thanks for your advise.
Steve
Spring, Tx.
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kimh
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #1 on: Aug 17th, 2004, 9:45am » |
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Hey Steve,
Sounds ominously familiar, but only a doctor should diagnose ya. I'd suggest finding a good doctor/neurologist for starting point. There is a list of neurologists here if you follow the links to the left. If you have clusters, most over the counter stuff is useless.
There is also an avalanche of important information that will be of immense help to you.
Good luck and PFDAN 
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don
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #2 on: Aug 17th, 2004, 10:28am » |
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Sounds like classic symptoms.
Get a good neuro and forget the OTC stuff.
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Superpain
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #3 on: Aug 17th, 2004, 3:27pm » |
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In the early stages of my cycles the headaches are also low level "dulled" feeling... But they always get increasingly worse. I have a feeling that's probably happening to you as well... Hopefully not, but be prepared for pain like no other. 
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Chris
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UN_SOLVED
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #4 on: Aug 17th, 2004, 5:43pm » |
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Your symptoms do sound like clusters, although ... a single clusterheadache will not last for days like you described.
If you are comparing clusters to other pain, then you have not had a full-blown attack (And I hope you don't).
My suggestion (like the others) ... get a neurologist, get a diagnosis, then get some treatment for your headaches.
I sincerley hope that you do not have clusters.
Best Wishes,
Unsolved
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Kris_in_SJ
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #5 on: Aug 17th, 2004, 9:12pm » |
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Sorry to say ... get thee to a doc that specializes in HA's ... preferably of the cluster variety.
My first cycle went totally undiagnosed (despite an MRI, CT Scan, etc.) because it wasn't "classic" enough. I simply had a constant kip 3-4 kind of pain in my temple and eye with redness and drooping (Horner's Syndrome). Lasted 10 weeks and mysteriously disappeared for 4 years. Believe me, the next cycle was "classic."
If started right away, you'll probably find good relief with Prednisone and Verapamil.
Hugs,
Kris
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farmboy
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #6 on: Aug 17th, 2004, 9:28pm » |
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yes i would have to agree with Un-solved never had them last for days.. but i can tell you this i have had 2 back surgerys and i will take that pain any day and i mean any day over the pain i get when in mid cycle. When i get a 9 or 10 CH that is some serious pain. I have had one that was so bad , this was by far the worst Ch i have ever had. i was out on the floor here at home and the wife called 911 because i would not respond to her. Loaded me up and took me to the ER but till we got there it was over and i was good. Come to think of it the paramedics put me on O2. while i was on the floor.
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TxBasslady
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #7 on: Aug 17th, 2004, 11:27pm » |
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Hi Steve,
Welcome.
The intensity of my CH was quite similar to your experience. For a year and 1/2.....random hits, not predictable, not so much pain that I couldn't tolerate it.
However, as time passed, the pain was more unbearable. I did the dentist visit and eye doc visit. I found this site by looking for headaches that always came at the same time of day & night. I lurked on this board for over a year....reading the experiences and the advice given to other sufferers and supporters. I went into a full blown CH cycle.....and wished thousands of times I could go back to that tolerable pain, and those random hits.
I did the Prednisone taper.....and it worked for me for 196 days. Then I went back to the random type hits off and on. I started the Melatonin (my hits only come at night) and it has worked wonders for me. I am currently "due" for my cycle, and am having some problems keeping the beast at bay. Have increased the Melatonin....and have to sleep propped up or in a reclining position. Cold compresses give me alot of relief, during a CH. I have to have one for my eye and temple area, and one for my neck.
I hope you find a correct diagnosis.....sounds like CH, but since I'm not a dr.......LOL
Read all you can.....take the cluster quiz located in the links on the left.
Let us know how you're doing. Stay in touch.
PF vibes,
Jean
p.s. I have alot of friends that live in Spring....I'm not too far from there.
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jhawk
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #8 on: Aug 19th, 2004, 8:27am » |
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Thanks for the information. I am doing a search for a neurologist who is knowledgeable on cluster headaches.
This site has been quite helpful in obtaining information about headaches. On a side note, I have testicular cancer (hopefully had), and there is a similar site for TC patients and supporters.
I am a firm believer that knowledge is strength.
Thanks again.....
Steve
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jhawk
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #9 on: Aug 31st, 2004, 7:53am » |
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I have seen a doctor, and he seems to think that I do have cluster headaches, however, he was not 100% sure of the diagnosis. He gave me a quantity of Zomig nasal spray to use when I feel a headache beginning. If it is successful in abating the pain, then it will reaffirm his opinion that I do have cluster headaches. If the Zomig is not effective, then I will have an MRI to further investigate the cause. He indicated that even if the nasas spray is not effective, I could still be cluster headaches.
Thanks,
Steve
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marfanoidus
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Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
« Reply #10 on: Aug 31st, 2004, 10:45am » |
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Sounds like a good first treatment from a doc. However, you may want to talk to him about using Oxygen - from listening to people on this site it seems to be the best and most consistent abortive.
Quote:He indicated that even if the nasas spray is not effective, I could still be cluster headaches.
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- this is very true. Happened to me. In fact, while I was in the office with my angel/neuro, a CH started to come on and she had me take a Zomig. It worked awesomely and immediately, and for only about 3 minutes. And it really seemed to piss off the HA too - which started coming back super fast.
Oxygen - odds are good it will help you. And it would also be indicative of a CH diagnosis.
Have I mentioned oxygen???????????? 
Good luck to all.
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