Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> Uneducated Theory for cure
        
(Message started by: iukid on Sep 7^th, 2002, 11:18pm)

Title: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by iukid on Sep 7^th, 2002, 11:18pm

I dont understand why alchol doesnt trigger clusters out of cycle? I think that during a cycle a switch gets flicked on somewhere in your brain maybe hypothamilus that starts the cycle and after it gets switched back off. Thats why alchole doesnt affect you out of cycle. If somwone can figure out how to keep the imaginary switch flipped off then there would be a cure. This is just a theory and we need more from people.

Title: Re: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by Ted on Sep 7^th, 2002, 11:22pm

You're right iukid. The problem is figuring out those details that makes the switch turn on, or stay on for chronics. You're right on the money though. Hopefully they'll get it figured out soon.

Title: Re: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by iukid on Sep 7^th, 2002, 11:28pm

MORE FEEDBACK!!!

Title: Re: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by SteveY on Sep 8^th, 2002, 3:20am

I think your theory is correct. In simplified terms it is an on off switch.

How do we switch off the CH?

As CH comes in eposodic and chronic variety, you may say they are two diffrent types. I don't think so, I believe they are the same, with the chronic having an extended cycle.

There are people on this board that have had CH for 20 years then 'switched off' they may be in remission now for say 100 years.

Chronics going eposodic and vice versa, again all controlled by the hypothalamus or body clock, with each one of us diffrent.

To your point of switch off, yes I believe it can be switched off, but need to use another example other than CH to explain.

There has been a recent article in the press here in the UK(Iwill post it when I can find it again) by a professor of geneology, who has identified a faulty gene proved to trigger prostate cancer.

He has identified the gene, switched it off and terminated the cancer, the results he describes as staggering.

He also says each faulty gene is 'timmed' to switch on at a given time(hypothalmic link?)

His research has been described as the way forward to treat a huge range of conditions.

To answer your point, if the gene that switches on CH can be identified, it can be switched off. This is also an area of research currently being investigated at Queen Square in London.

I will try my best to find the article.

Steve

Title: Re: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by Bob P on Sep 8^th, 2002, 10:14am

Steve,
I was just wondering about this yesterday. Wondered if nayone had been looking for a defective gene in clusterheads. DNA study? I've heard mention of the human genome mapping project in which they map all of the genes in human beings. There appears to be a genetic conection in CH. Wonder if anyone is looking at this.

Title: Re: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by SteveY on Sep 8^th, 2002, 11:52am

It is definatley being looked into Bob.

I spoke to Manjit Matharu a few months ago and he informed me they are doing research into gene identification as a trigger for CH.

The mapping project is a great breakthrough in medicine with endless possibilities of benefits to human health.

So the way forward as I see it is identify the gene and switch it off.

Simple should be done by next week end? I wish

Hope and patience, two key words we must all have.

I will find that article and post it when I do.

Steve

Title: Re: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by SteveY on Sep 8^th, 2002, 1:04pm

Can't find the article, I'm sure I read it in a newspaper, I think.

Next question should be does CH cause Alzheimers.

Here is another article though, that mentions genes and CH and the M word.

At least this guys in our corner.

http://www.migran.com/tunnel.html

Title: Re: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by tippertoes on Sep 8^th, 2002, 1:05pm

I don't know about what switches the beast on or off but the last time he visited me was 14-16 YEARS ago.
The bad news is I got a couple shadows last week. I just spent 21 days in the hospital for other problems,
but the thought of the beast returning has me terrified
more than the very serious problems that hospitalized me!
Since I haven't needed any meds in all these years, I
guess I'm "behind the power curve". It used to be a tablet or 2 of Fiornal (sp?) would get me through. Does
anyone still use such an old med?
Going to the VA Hospital tomorrow for unrelated illness.
I'll ask and maybe I can get a script. Would like some on hand in case the beast returns.
You can tell, I'm a newbie. Thanks for having such a wonderful site!

Title: Abstract Re: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by maria on Sep 8^th, 2002, 7:47pm

Steve Y, here is another study supporting a genetic cause for CH:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain
Volume 36 Issue 10 Page 608 - November 1996

Cluster Headache is an Inherited Disorder in Some Families
Michael Bjørn Russell, MD, PhD1*; Poul Gertz Andersson, MD2; Lennert Iselius, MD3
We investigated the familial occurrence of cluster headache in 370 probands with cluster headache, diagnosed according to the operational diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society. Seven probands belonged to three families. A positive family history of cluster headache was found in 7% (25 of 366) of the families. Compared with the general population, the first- and second-degree relatives of the 370 probands with cluster headache had a 14- and 2-fold increased risk of having cluster headache, after standardization for sex and age. This increased familial risk strongly suggests that cluster headache has a genetic cause. The patterns of segregation were assessed by complex segregation analysis performed with the computer program, POINTER. The segregation analysis suggests that cluster headache has an autosomal dominant gene with a penetrance of 0.30 to 0.34 in males and 0.17 to 0.21 in females. The gene is present in 3% to 4% of males and 7% to 10% of females with cluster headache.

Maria

Title: Re: Uneducated Theory for cure
Post by Charlie on Sep 9^th, 2002, 1:05am

Interesting stuff. There are genetic "switches" too. It's possible that somewhere along the line the things that work to keep things running well misfire and horrors such as CH is a result. Maybe we are the beginning.

This thing began with the idea that maybe we can learn to "switch off" something and shut down Ch. On this, I have to say that when my CH began to dissipate, I was changing my routine. I began to indulge my liking of working at night. Not just late but for a good portion of the wee hours. The only thing besides age (56) and time, I can think of that's different since my remission, is that I'm now able to do this. It's goofy but perhaps circadian rythyms are for some a factor. I know there are holes in this theory large enough to drive a tank but I have to wonder. A circadian switch? I don't know.

Charlie