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        New Message Board Archives >> 2007 General Board Posts >> CH down through the ages
        
(Message started by: AussieBrian on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 8:44pm)

Title: CH down through the ages
Post by AussieBrian on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 8:44pm

Is there a written history of CH down through time? Make for great reading. I know it was only clinically described quite recently but I took to googling "cluster headache 17th century" and the like and came across the most delightful little tit-bits. Seems Franz Kafka may have been a CHead, which would explain a lot.

How many sufferers were burned at the stake during the inquisitions due to their witch-like headbanging or their refusal to renounce the devil in their temple? How many exorcisms has the vatican undertaken in an effort to assist the afflicted and were any of them successful?

Even came across "Prevalence of headache in Tulp's Observationes Medicae (1641) with a description of cluster headache" and reccommendations for a good leeching - probably not a bad idea given it would at least lower the old blood pressure and take a bit of the strain off.

I remember seeing a documentary many years back where they'd dug up all these ancient skulls and around one in a thousand had a perfect circle drilled out around the temple, with the narrator saying they had no idea why. Here I was waving my hand in the air, 'Pick me, sir. Pick me. I know why!'

Needless to say the terms of reference in such research must remain fairly loose (we all know the difficulties of an accurate diagnosis) but it was especially nice learning that only men suffer from it, thank goodness, and not women or children.

It's made for a lovely pastime.

Title: Re: CH down through the ages
Post by JenniferD on Nov 2^nd, 2007, 8:53pm

what an interesting topic Brian. One of those things that make you go, hmmmmmmm.

I'll definitely spend some time looking into this one :)

Hope all is well with you.

Jen

Title: Re: CH down through the ages
Post by artonio7 on Nov 3^rd, 2007, 3:43am

Brian,

Sounds like something that should be explored and compiled for the OUCH newsletter. Would make for great reading. ;;D

with warm regards,
Tony

Title: Re: CH down through the ages
Post by sandie99 on Nov 3^rd, 2007, 4:42am

Sounds intresting reading! :)

Sanna