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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004-2005 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> How do I know it's cluster headaches?
        
(Message started by: Maggs_Mania on Jun 21^st, 2004, 5:22am)

Title: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Maggs_Mania on Jun 21^st, 2004, 5:22am

I have read the info on the homepage and it all sort of fits into what I am experiencing, but how do I really know if this constant on and off pain I am living with is cluster headaches? Is there a specific test that the doctors or specialists can do. I am so sick and tired of people telling me to relax, get physio for my neck, stop stressing etc. All I want is for the pain to go away!

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Filbert on Jun 21^st, 2004, 6:48am

Hi Maggs welcome to the board!

First thing to do is to take the cluster quiz on the left. That should give you some idea. Lots of other info to read as well. There is no actual test for CH just things that rule out other possibilties such as a tumour. CH is diagnosed on the symptoms it causes [see cluster traits]. I sincerely hope you haven't got it but if you have I hope you get some relief soon!

All the best! Filbert

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by thomas on Jun 21^st, 2004, 10:57am

Would you rather have some one saw your arm off nice and slow with a dull saw, than to have one of these ha's? If you answer yes to that question, then there is a good chance that you have cluster headaches.

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Superpain on Jun 21^st, 2004, 4:36pm

Have someone hit you in the face with a brick. Hard.

If the headache is worse than that, you might be a clusterhead.

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Superpain on Jun 21^st, 2004, 4:37pm

If people cry when they see you have a headache...

You might be a clusterhead.

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Superpain on Jun 21^st, 2004, 4:39pm

If you scream in agony and beg God to take you right now!

You just might be a clusterhead...

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by eyes_afire on Jun 21^st, 2004, 6:33pm

Maggs,

Although the answers you've received here may seem humorous, they are accurate in so many ways. The pain is incredible... that's your first clue. Here's the best description of CH I've ever seen:

http://www.hospital-doctor.co.uk/hd_news/hd_news_article.asp?ID=2498&Section=Feature

Read it. It's important.

--- Steve

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Superpain on Jun 21^st, 2004, 6:53pm

If you are convinced there is a very small pitbull inside your head chewing on the back of your eye....

You might be a clusterhead. [smiley=laugh.gif]

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Superpain on Jun 21^st, 2004, 6:54pm

If having a 12lb baby all of a sudden doesn't sound so bad....

You might be a clusterhead...

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Superpain on Jun 21^st, 2004, 7:01pm

If you wake up and a lion is chewing on your head...

You might live in Africa.... [smiley=laugh.gif]

Or you may just be a clusterhead.

Disclaimer: This is the only instance in which it is better to have a cluster. ;)

It's widely known that even imitrex is inneffective against lions.

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Maggs_Mania on Jun 22^nd, 2004, 2:43am

Well, I am not convinced that I am a clusterhead because eventhough I suffer constantly and nothing works, I do not experience pain in such intense measures. Problem is I have an EXTREMELY high pain level and can function quite normal with incredible pain because I am a very happy, balanced person. I can go around for days with an intense headache without trying to drink anything and then suddenly I can't take it anymore. Maybe the doctor is right, I might just be a stresshead!

I really appreciate your responses and I wish there was something I could do for you guys as it sounds like it is a horrible experience. You definately helped me because now I know it could be worse!

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by thomas on Jun 22^nd, 2004, 8:32am

on 06/22/04 at 02:43:26, Maggs_Mania wrote:

Problem is I have an EXTREMELY high pain level and can function quite normal with incredible pain

Me too, I jumped out of an airplane four days in a row with a fractured leg. But a cluster headache still brings me to my knees, there is NO physical pain like ch, believe me, I know pain.

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by Superpain on Jun 22^nd, 2004, 4:46pm

Yeah... It's kinda like the Harley saying "If you have to ask, you wouldn't understand..."

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by broomhilda on Jun 22^nd, 2004, 5:00pm

on 06/22/04 at 02:43:26, Maggs_Mania wrote:

Problem is I have an EXTREMELY high pain level and can function quite normal with incredible pain because I am a very happy, balanced person. I can go around for days with an intense headache without trying to drink anything and then suddenly I can't take it anymore. Maybe the doctor is right, I might just be a stresshead!

Maggs, I compare it to... I would rather give birth outta my eye five to six times a day and night than have CH, hope that helps!

Hope you get relief soon, read up and take care!

Title: Re: How do I know it's cluster headaches?
Post by don on Jun 22^nd, 2004, 9:10pm

There is no specific test to diagnose Cluster. It is determined by the symptoms you present.