Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


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

        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Patterns and Triggers
        
(Message started by: gMike on May 16^th, 2005, 11:41am)

Title: Patterns and Triggers
Post by gMike on May 16^th, 2005, 11:41am

I seem to have a headache during the night (wakes me up) or when I wake up. I'm relatively free for several hours but always seem to develop a headache between 8:30 and 10:00PM. I may have headaches during the day but they are not as predictable. My Neuro has diagnosed them as clusters but I was wondering if the pattern is consistent with what the rest of you see?

I know there is tremendous variation but do any of you see them in a fairly consistent pattern?

I'm pretty sure my teeth grinding has something to do with the night-time headaches (or maybe the headaches make me grind my teeth??) and I know chocolate will do me in. Are there other triggers beyond what I've found?

I don't smoke (never did) and quit drinking 10 years ago, of necessity!!

Please bear with my newby questions, I'm reading everything I can but haven't seen triggers and patterns addressed in what I've read.

Mike

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by Sean_C on May 16^th, 2005, 11:44am

Mike take this quiz and let us know how you did.

Sean.........................

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/quiz.html

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by seasonalboomer on May 16^th, 2005, 11:49am

Welcome! Yes there are patterns and for many the patterns allow sufferers to almost do away with calendars and clocks.

So, you're right. Patterns are a pattern for many of us. The teeth grinding wouldn't automatically be considered a relevant cause or effect, but hey, as you will learn, we all have differences.

Chocolate is often cited. Lucky for you you quit drinking, as it is often cited as a very common trigger. Sad for us who still imbibe.

"Take your time and read alot, think of everything you've got for they may still be here tomorrow, but hopefully not" -- paraphrased and mangled - Father & Son by Cat Stevens.

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by Kim Y. on May 16^th, 2005, 12:16pm

Quote:

I start at about 8:30 And 11PM with my attacks. I as well get some wake CH. During the day I get random hits.

Take the quiz and let us know what you find.

Quote:

Are there other triggers beyond what I've found?

Each person is different with the triggers. I have found smoke, cheep hairspray, some airisol spray deoderizers, these are my triggers that I have ID...

PF wishes..............KIM

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by gMike on May 16^th, 2005, 12:16pm

on 05/16/05 at 11:44:03, Sean_C wrote:

Mike take this quiz and let us know how you did.

Sean.........................

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/quiz.html

The quiz says I have clusters with the following exceptions - I can lie down when I have one and occasionally sleep. Being an overly controlled individual, I'd rather die than admit I have a high level of pain. My pain levels are generally at a 5 or 6 (KIP) but spike to an 8 level with a bad one. I hope I never see a 10!!!

My Neurologist says clusters but I don't know her well and am open to information from folks that know a bunch more than I do.

I've been in a cluster period since November 04 with daily headaches (minimum 2 - max 6). They are not as severe on the Verapamil but I still get them.

Mike

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by Sean_C on May 16^th, 2005, 12:44pm

Mike I only know of, and there might be more, of one clusterhead who can lie down during an attack. But he definately can't sleep. Thats like one thing all of us have in common, we definately could not sleep through an attack, its impossible.

You might have something else bud :-/

JMHO

Sean.....................................

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by seasonalboomer on May 16^th, 2005, 1:10pm

I don't know whether I actually call it "lying down", but there is a point where I end up "crumpled" on the floor, face into a pillow and I finally get to sleep during a middle of the night hit. Usually after pacing and dancing for awhile, followed by the ass in the air, head in the pillow, rocking back and forth, moaning thing, and then finally exhausted, "crumpled".

Does that count as "lying down"?

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by kimmeesue on May 16^th, 2005, 1:16pm

Mike, I, too, can lie down but I can't shut up. I am very agitated. I like the feeling of burrowing in a cool pillow and I talk non-stop. This is the norm for me but there are times when I pace.
I, and many others have all but eliminated the night time attacks with the use of melatonin.
As far as questions, ask away. We've all been newbies at one time or another and are thrilled to help.
Kim

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by floridian on May 16^th, 2005, 1:21pm

on 05/16/05 at 12:44:10, Sean_C wrote:

After getting hit while riding in a car, I have learned to immobilize myself while getting hit, but if I am home, I usually alternate pacing with immobilization (couch or reclining chair). Sleep? Not during a real hit, maybe with a shadow.

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by Sean_C on May 16^th, 2005, 1:59pm

on 05/16/05 at 13:21:59, floridian wrote:

Your absolutely right Flo, maybe with a shadow. With a full blown CH I could never sleep, eat, drink, rest, I'll go as far as too say even think rationally while getting hit. Its panic time people. I don't think he has Ch, not my kind at least. Its something else IMHO of course ;;D

Sean...................................

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by sandie99 on May 16^th, 2005, 3:49pm

I can lie down, too, but only when I have low kip level chs...

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by gMike on May 16^th, 2005, 5:25pm

on 05/16/05 at 13:59:56, Sean_C wrote:

Anyone want to hazard a guess what this is, if not a CH?? I'm gonna have to figure this out because the neurologist thinks it's straight up CH and is treating me accordingly.

Thanks for the thoughts and advice.

Mike

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by Jonny on May 16^th, 2005, 5:47pm

on 05/16/05 at 13:10:02, seasonalboomer wrote:

followed by the ass in the air

Becareful not to do that while Don is sleeping over ;;D

BTW...everything you mentioned I have done, but when I hit 10 im a raging maniac...everyone in the house runs....LMAO ;;D

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by BarbaraD on May 16^th, 2005, 6:04pm

I have three different types of headaches CH, Migraine and something else. With the migraine I can lay down (naseau and all that), but if it triggers a CH, I pace, hit the wall, scream, and scare the hell out of everyone. The other one I can take something a lay down, but sometimes it triggers the CH.

Other than that I'm healthy as a horse.

Try Melatonin at night. About 12mg works to help me sleep a few hours.

I gave up trying to figure out triggers long ago. This time this triggers CH - next time it doesn't. Beer used to be a big trigger for me so I quit drinking it for about 12 years (and did I mention that I love beer?). Last fall at my son's birthday party everyone was having a cold one -- I had my meds with me so what the heck. Drank two and nada. Didn't even wake up with a shadow. Go figure. But I don't drink often so maybe Mr. D just forgot he didn't like beer.

The barometer is the only thing that really triggers me BIG TIME. Between the OLD bones and the CH, I can predict a rain storm before the clouds even roll in. That's been a constant since day one.

We all have different triggers and we all react differently. Just don't try to dwell on it too much or you'll be as crazy as the rest of us.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Patterns and Triggers
Post by yikes-another-one on May 16^th, 2005, 6:07pm

When the kip level is 4 or below,
I can sleep.

I just toss and turn and pray for 40 minutes
that the pain will go away...
and when it finally does, i go back to sleep.

Of course you are readign the words of someone
who used to be able to take a 3 hour nap on the couch,
wake up for 10 minutes, and then got to sleep
for ten more hours....

so I guess I am a great sleeper.

Trouble is,
now i don't dare try to nap....
Waking with the beast is not fun.

Now, that being said:

at a level 4 or higher....
It's difficult to sit still, focus on anything, or breathe.
so there you go.

As far as a pattern,
I have been getting 4 headaches everyday.
6:45am, noon, 5pm and 10:30 pm
((since Sept.)))

And just to spice up my fabulous pattern,
the beast can ramp it up
by visiting at 8:30, 10:30 am,
1:20pm ,2:30, 4:45, 6:30, 7:45, 9:30

and of course if he really wants to play
he will also visit at
11pm for 40 minutes, then 12am for 45 minutes then 1:05 am for another 35...just to get the last laugh.

Some days 4 headaches, other days...I just loose count.

Four years ago, it would strike at
6pm on a Sunday night.
Hit me again Monday
at 8am, 10am and 12 noon.

Disappear until tuesday morning,
hit me again at 8, 12
and then at 7pm.

Disappear and hit on Wed at 10am, noon...
disappear until the following Sunday...

only to hit me at the odd hours of the day....
instead of even hours.

and play havoc with my Spring and Fall.

So in other words, as soon a you notice a pattern,
that monster will probably change his tune....
so even if for one episode you have a "normal"
schedule, it doesn't mean next time will be the same.