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        New Message Board Archives >> 2006-2007 Getting to Know Ya Posts >> Question about CH diagnosis
        
(Message started by: JDC on Nov 19^th, 2007, 11:43am)

Title: Question about CH diagnosis
Post by JDC on Nov 19^th, 2007, 11:43am

Hey guys,

So, a little about my symptoms...

Im a healthy 27 y.o. male and have never had problems with headaches in my life - no migraines, rarely a tension headache, and otherwise no headaches whatsoever. However, over the last 8 days, I have had a headache every day. It is a horrible, sharp pain confined to my eye region, possibly bleeding a slight bit into my lower forehead but primarily directly over/behind my eye. The headaches dont exist when I first get up in the morning - maybe occasionally I can feel a bit of dull pain, but not much to speak of. However, around noon every day, I get an excruciatingly bad headache that lasts about 2-3 hours, and within about 30 minutes (after the 4hrs of pain) it goes from excruciating to non-existent (again, sometimes I can still feel a slight dull pain for a bit, but I wouldnt classify it as a headache). I went to the doctor yesterday and he told me that it was possible that I had cluster headaches - I had a CT that was negative so it isnt an aneurysm or a tumor. I figured that you guys would know much more about cluster headaches than most doctors, so I figured that I'd ask if you thought my symptoms seem to be characteristic of CH. The doc prescribed me sumatriptan injections, and I'm scheduled to see a headache specialist next week. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

JD

Title: Re: Question about CH diagnosis
Post by Guiseppi on Nov 19^th, 2007, 12:06pm

My intitial impression is yes, it sounds like it might be CH. If you're not already doing so, keep a headache diary. What time they start, how fast they build, how long the pain stays at it;s peak and how fast it goes away. It'll help the neuro a lot with your diagnosis.

For now try chugging coffee or an energy drink containing both caffeine and taurine. If these help, or if they don't log it in your diary. Avoid alcohol as this is a big time trigger for most of us when we are on cycle. The fact that your doctor knew what CH was is a great sign as most don't know anything about it.

If it turns out you do have CH, push hard for oxygen as your primary medication of choice. I can knock a CH dead in less then 10 minutes using 02. Read the oxygen link to the left, print out the info and take it with you to your neuro and DEMAND oxygen if the diagnosis is CH.

Let us know how it goes either way and good luck!!!

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Question about CH diagnosis
Post by George_J on Nov 19^th, 2007, 12:30pm

Good morning, JD.

Try taking the "cluster quiz" at the left side of your screen, and see how you score. Not trying to second-guess your doctor, but it's often helpful as a "rule-of-thumb" indicator. See also the link that says "cluster traits" and see how your symptoms match with those.

Sorry to hear that you may well be one of us--but stick around. Lots of good advice here, and many, many people who are willing and eager to help.

Best wishes, and welcome,

George

Title: Re: Question about CH diagnosis
Post by Bob_Johnson on Nov 19^th, 2007, 1:54pm

Yes, take the quiz and also explore the OUCH site for diagnostic helps.

When cluster first begins in someone it's not uncommon for the symptoms to wander and change over months, even years, before settling into a firm pattern. This makes diagnosis troublesome.

You may have to stay in touch with your doc and be patient to see if a clear picture emerges. In the meanwhile, read, read. Much in the buttons (left).

Title: Re: Question about CH diagnosis
Post by GrandPotentate on Nov 20^th, 2007, 9:11pm

Welcome JD, glad you found this site so quickly. These folks have helped me through some rough times, and we're here to do the same for you. Your doc is doing the right thing so far by eliminating other serious root causes. He is also doing the right thing by referring you to a head guy. I hope he is a good one - one that listens and works with you on finding out what is really going on.

Oh yeah, and what all those other guys said goes double for me.

Do let us know what develops!

Title: Re: Question about CH diagnosis
Post by jackiekam on Nov 22^nd, 2007, 1:00am

Hi
Over the last 7 days, exactly from today, I have had the worst headache in my right eye and into my lower forehead as well. Pretty much the very same symptoms as you. I was so glad to find this site, it diagnosed me almost right away. Symptoms seem to be almost creepily precise. It would be a good idea to take the Cluster Quiz and also the Quiz on the Headache Care Website. They help a lot. I'm very new to all of this but am in the same boat as you so feel free to talk.

-Jackie