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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 General Board Posts >> cluster or migraine
        
(Message started by: unsure on Mar 16^th, 2005, 11:08am)

Title: cluster or migraine
Post by unsure on Mar 16^th, 2005, 11:08am

someone help me one doc said mig one said ch
i get them around this time every year they come on with out warning around 2 to 7 am they last 10 to 30 min one side of my face around my eye (right)i get 1 to 3 during this time and some time during the day this will last for at least 4 to 8 weeks can't lie down i get cold and just before they stop i becaume hot my eye waters some times when the pain is at the worst i get nausea never vomiting please help me i can't tell if i should treat mig or ch im going to day to buy kuduz root im now 38 and i have had them since i was 23

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by nani on Mar 16^th, 2005, 11:15am

Hi unsure...welcome and I'm sorry you're here. Most of what you describe sounds like clusters to me, but I'm no doctor. What, if anything, has the dr who diagnosed clusters given you for treatment?
Research says that kudzu is effective for migraines. Our own research here says it can be very effective for CH, too. Depending on any other meds you may be on, it would likely work for you either way. Look around the site here and at the OUCH site. Look at oxygen info, too. All links are on the left.
Pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by pattik on Mar 16^th, 2005, 11:15am

The regularity of your episodes really makes it look like clusters. So sorry you are dealing with this. Both migraine and cluster respond to some of the same meds. Your history as you explained it really does describe clusters to me. Take a look around this site, especially the cluster quiz and cluster traits links on the left. It sounds to me like you need further diagnosis, and a neurologist would be the best way to go for this. If you do indeed have clusters, you will find a wealth of info here to help you, not to mention great support. All the best to you.
p.k. :)

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by E-Double on Mar 16^th, 2005, 11:51am

on 03/16/05 at 11:08:28, unsure wrote:

someone help me one doc said mig one said ch
i get them around this time every year they come on with out warning around 2 to 7 am they last 10 to 30 min one side of my face around my eye (right)i get 1 to 3 during this time and some time during the day this will last for at least 4 to 8 weeks can't lie down i get cold and just before they stop i becaume hot my eye waters some times when the pain is at the worst i get nausea never vomiting please help me i can't tell if i should treat mig or ch im going to day to buy kuduz root im now 38 and i have had them since i was 23

It doesn't sound like either based upon my readings and Personal experience.

The duration of your HA describes something which may be different to that of CH.....(research), yet the frequency leads to yet others (sorry to be vague)......Research.
I'm not a doctor yet I'll advocate the best I can for ya....

There are several HA that present similar to CH with autonomic features and clockwork percision yet may be responsive to other meds......Read!!!

The International Headache Society:

http://216.25.100.131/members/Sections/members/login/Temp_Frame/frameset_26_06_02.htm

The criteria for HA's:...

http://216.25.100.131/ihscommon/guidelines/pdfs/full_form_watermarked.pd f

Best,

_E ²

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by Jimi on Mar 16^th, 2005, 12:49pm

Your symptoms sound exactly how mine were when they started 35 years ago. Mine would last from 10-30 minutes each time. I think the doc that said clusters is probably right. Get back to him and ask for a script for oxygen and imitrex for when they hit. There are many other things to read about as far as preventives. Good luck.

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by totka2 on Mar 16^th, 2005, 1:21pm

Hi and welcome,
Periodicity and regularity allude to cluster but I'm not a doc. Ask a good (cluster-expert) neuro.
PF,
Steve

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by cootie on Mar 16^th, 2005, 2:32pm

Call around and find a neuro that knows about CH......even if ya have to drive a few miles......don't beat around the bush like we did MANY MANY years ago tossin around ideas what it was with docs that had no clue. Wasted alot of valuable time that way......and Brad's attacks got more intense. Check it out the RIGHT way......you'll be glad ya did Pam

*** Isn't there a place here on this MB with a list of good neuro's for every state that mite help ? There's a Sturgis in Michigan.....I didn't know that......one in Kentucky too and of course S. Dakota.

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by vig on Mar 16^th, 2005, 2:39pm

early in an episode, my attacks tend to be shorter... 20 minutes or so and the duration and intensity build up.

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by clarence on Mar 16^th, 2005, 2:53pm

Sounds like cluster to my non-doctor mind.

That said, what does it matter, they're the same thing anyway. ;;D

*ducking for cover, and running fast...*

Casey

ps. - Unsure, I am just kidding.

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by seasonalboomer on Mar 16^th, 2005, 3:24pm

it, at the very least, doesn't sound like migraine.

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by john_d on Mar 16^th, 2005, 9:51pm

on 03/16/05 at 11:08:28, unsure wrote:

sounds like clusters to me...definitely get to a good neuro, hope you get some relief soon

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by Lizzie2 on Mar 16^th, 2005, 10:06pm

Didn't Charlie used to say his attacks were about 20 minutes long or so? I know not all of mine go the full out length, but I don't really keep good measurements on it with a headache diary or anything to see what the difference is between them spontaneously coming to an end or coming to an end because I used oxygen or zomig.

Charlie...can you give input on the length your attacks used to be?

L2 :)

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by don on Mar 17^th, 2005, 7:05am

Quote:

The duration of your HA describes something which may be different to that of CH.....(research),

Mine last 20 - 40 minutes.

Minnesota

Sethna
Michael

DR. ROBROCK
EAGAN

J.M. Achenbach
Cambridge

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by unsure on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 6:29pm

well i went and bought that kuduz root and im having the ch but they our not as painful and im not so a fraid to go to sleep for mine come's on in the night . doc said they our ch thank you all it help's to know im not alone

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by Charlie on Mar 22^nd, 2005, 8:25pm

They sure sound like clusters to me. Can't sit still is a key I think. I bet they wake you up too which is a real sign of this horror.

My attacks would last for about 20 minutes, sometimes 30 and once 40. I could knock that way down when the technique worked:

Dr. Wright’s Circulatory Technique

What follows is a technique learned from a neurologist:
I am not sure what mechanism is triggered by this but whatever it is, at least indirectly helps kill the pain. I do know that this technique has nothing to do with meditation, relaxation, or psychic ability. It is entirely physical and takes some work. It involves concentrating on trying to redirect a little circulation to the arms, hands, or legs. It can described as a conscious circulatory flexing. Increased circulation will result in a reddening and warming of the hands. Try to think of it as filling your hands with redirected blood. The important and difficult part is that it has to be done without interruption through the pain. Do not give up in frustration. It may not work on the first try. Every now and then it will work almost immediately. I lived for those moments. Try experimenting between attacks. You will find that it gets easier with practice.

I was given less than five minutes instruction in the use of method. The doctor, while placing his arm on his desk, showed me that he could slightly increase his arm and hand circulation. After several attempts, I was able to repeat this procedure and use it successfully. I have had about a 75% success rate shortening these attacks. My 20 minute attacks were often reduced to 10 minutes or less. Once proven that I had a chance to effectively deal with this horror, I always gave it a try as I had nothing to lose but pain.

Perhaps it will help if you think of it as trying to fill the arm as if it is were an empty vessel. I used to try to imagine I was pushing blood away from my head into my arm. Use your imagination. There is one man who wrote that his standing barefoot on a concrete floor shortened his attacks. This may be similar as it draws some circulation away from the head. Cold water, exercise, or anything affecting circulation, seems to be worth a try. My suggestion is to not let up immediately when the pain goes. Waiting a minute is probably a good idea. So long as you do not slack off, this has a chance of working.

This technique is very useful while waiting for medication to take effect or when none is available. It costs nothing, is non-invasive, and can be used just about anywhere. It is not a miracle but it helped me deal with this horror. It can be a bit exhausting but the success rate was good enough for me and a cluster headache sufferer will do just about anything to end the pain. It gives us a fighting chance.

I hope this technique is helpful and I wish you the best of luck

Charlie

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by sandie99 on Mar 23^rd, 2005, 12:19am

Welcome, unsure! :)

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by Bob P on Mar 23^rd, 2005, 9:49am

Based on 34 years of ch experience I'd put my money on clusters.

Title: Re: cluster or migraine
Post by nani on Mar 23^rd, 2005, 9:51am

on 03/22/05 at 18:29:04, unsure wrote:

Are you taking your largest dose of kudzu at bedtime, unsure? That may help you get through the night without any pain.