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        New Message Board Archives >> 2005 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Cluster or not?
        
(Message started by: Elena on Aug 19^th, 2005, 7:33am)

Title: Cluster or not?
Post by Elena on Aug 19^th, 2005, 7:33am

Hey,

I've just got back from the Dr's with an Imigran prescription and an info leaflet on Cluster Headaches, after explaining what happened to me last night.

I was bending forward, hoovering and my left eye started to pulsate, throb, the lid half closed and the eye started watering, went red and I got a pressure ache behind the eye. There is still a pressure ache there now 15 hours later, but I slept OK.

I've been having a read through some other newbie experiences and am not sure that my diagnosis fits the bill. Did anyone else's cluster experiences start like this?

Thanks

Elly

Title: Re: Cluster or not?
Post by lionsound on Aug 19^th, 2005, 8:04am

Hi Elly,

I don't remember my first cluster becuase it happened when I was small. there is a cluster quiz link over on thethe bar to the left you can try , but wiht only one HA so far that may not be helpful.

What I would suggest is to write down in a journal the date, time, duration, meds taken, intensity of pain, and any physical characteristics of your HA even if its a a pressure ache as you describe.

with only one HA I understand your reluctance, and rightfully so, to say its clusters. I have a feeling that your HA's true identity CH or not will reveal itself sooner than later.

Hold on to that imigran.. you may find it useful.

here is a link to OUCH UK...loaded with great and helpful info too
www.ouchuk.org

Have you had headaches before? Did you see a neurologist? that might be a good idea to rule other things out if this is new to you.

Hang around here and chat with us and we can try to help you figure this out :)

be well and Pain free!,
lionsound

Title: Re: Cluster or not?
Post by Elena on Aug 19^th, 2005, 10:39am

Thanks Lionsound,

I've never suffered head aches before, this is completely out of the blue so my diagnosis was by a regular G.P...

I've started that journal, thanks, and I have the Imigran in my purse! I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens from here. :-/

It was great to hear from you. :) Thanks.
Elly

Title: Re: Cluster or not?
Post by mcf69 on Aug 19^th, 2005, 11:04am

Elly,
Did you have any visual disturbances in the eye that was affected? If not, that's a good sign (bad depending on how you look at it). The biggest piece of advice I could give you is find a good neurologist to check you out and make sure there is nothing else wrong and the pressure is in fact related to headaches. Like Lionsound said, make sure you keep a journal of all symptoms as they occur. What type of Imigran did the Dr prescribe?, tabs, nasal spray or injections? As I said, make sure you find a good neuro that can diagnose headaches and differentiate them for other possible causes of your eye pressure. Welcome to the board.
Ben

Title: Re: Cluster or not?
Post by vig on Aug 19^th, 2005, 11:06am

sounds like it's too early to tell.
It gets the name Cluster HeadaCHes because of the grouping or 'clustering' of attacks.

I've had thousands, or tens of thousands (I try NOT to remember) of these things and they fit a pattern.

It's hard to tell from just one or two 'headaCHes'.

fingers crossed for you that they AREN'T CH.

Title: Re: Cluster or not?
Post by Leggs on Aug 19^th, 2005, 5:34pm

I agree with vig...too early to tell. My husband has had some doozy migraines, but it's just the headache and gone. He too will sort of have an ache afterward.

His don't ever go into a pattern though, so not a cluster, even though it does all the one side of the head stuff. Read up on everything, and be informed! It really helps.

Title: Re: Cluster or not?
Post by lionsound on Aug 19^th, 2005, 8:58pm

on 08/19/05 at 10:39:22, Elena wrote:

You are very welcome, Elly :)

Ask more questions if you need to.
Please take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing.
-lionsound

Title: Re: Cluster or not?
Post by Salvelinus on Aug 21^st, 2005, 5:00pm

Elena, I agree with the others that you should see a neurologist. There are so many things that can cause a headache, and some need to be caught early. I'd be leery of a CH diagnosis after one headache. CH isn't life threatening, but some headaches can be.

Here's hoping and praying that you've had your last headache like that!

Namaste,
--Scott