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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Hypothalamus mis-functions
        
(Message started by: seasonalboomer on Mar 13^th, 2006, 3:36pm)

Title: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by seasonalboomer on Mar 13^th, 2006, 3:36pm

I was reading today to see what happened to me yesterday. I had gone running and the temps here had risen to the low-80's at mid-day when I was out. I got to about mile 6 or 7 and started to feel a little light headed, very flushed in the face and then quickly had the onset of a vary painful headache. It was not CH, but not too far from it on the discomfort scale. Just not located behind the eye.

So I walked home another 3 miles and felt some cramping and the headache was pretty solid. Grabbed my Clustermasx and sat down for 5 minutes and it was gone.

So, I'm thinking, is this just a manifestation of a new cycle coming along? My test, this morning to go running again. Mid 50's, no problem, a little "tickle" behind the eyeball that started tightening so, go for the O2 again, and again, gone in 5.

So, back to my reading and I'm looking at Heat Stroke symptoms and it includes headache as a symptom, along with excessive flushing. And that with exertional heat stroke, you do continue sweating. The article I was reading stated:

"hypothalamic dysfunction may alter temperature regulation and may result in an unchecked rise in temperature and heat illness."

So, my question out of all this for my fellow theorists, is: Do you think our hypothalamus issue, and its body clock management issues, also rolls into not being very good at managing the thermoregulatory function, resulting in an inceased lieklihood of heat illness when faced with large fluctuations in temperature?

Scott

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by ABarham on Mar 13^th, 2006, 4:31pm

Scott - I have no idea, however, it does sound logical. Heat does seem to aggrevate my husband's heart condition and he gets extremely bad headaches (regular ones) when he is exposed to the heat.. It seems that the heat and exertion, together or seperately, could bring it on.

Shoot, 6 or 7 miles, I'm doing good to get 6 or 7 blocks.

LOL
Mama Weezer

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by Sandy_C on Mar 13^th, 2006, 4:35pm

Good question, Scott. I don't know, but it sounds reasonable. I do know that when I'm in cycle, raising my body temp by exercising or even taking a nice hot bath will bring on a hit immediately. (yes, I do clean up - I take very short, almost tepid showers).

Maybe one of our CH guru's will step in and offer some thoughts.

Sandy

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by rapunzel on Mar 13^th, 2006, 4:48pm

see? I always thought I was just weird.

I am frozen all winter long, most of the fall, and most of the spring- my husband says its like sleeping with a glacier. I keep the electric blanket on superhot. I just cannot tolerate the cold at all-

on the flipside, I get so darn hot in the summer, I cant stand it. And the hot weather gives me a headache. Just a headache, I can handle it. But I do notice that I get hotter than the people around me, & cannot lay out in the sun for a tan- that definitely brings on a severe headache every time and dizziness. Go to the pool or the beach, and I am seeking out the shade immediately.

The temperature that works for me is 70 degrees, if the temp in my house drops below that even a tiny bit, I am shivering, and anything over that and I am sweating and miserable.

hmm- maybe I AM just weird.

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by jackieg on Mar 13^th, 2006, 7:17pm

I don't know if this has anything to so with your question. But I hate the feeling of cold water on my body. Cold pools, the ocean, shower, etc. actually hurts. I shower in extremely hot water, turn the heater way up in my pool, and only swim in the Gulf of Mexico in the summer. Heat never brings on a headache. I love the summer and tolerate the heat very well... it is the humidity that brings on the headaches quite often.
The cold weather makes me tense up and feel miserable. I always feel cold. This winter was mild, but I still went into a cylcle. The only season I have not cycled in is the fall.

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by kcopelin on Mar 13^th, 2006, 7:21pm

You now what, the hypothalumus does play a role in temp regulation. Sure makes sense that it factors into what happened to you. I mean, one really shouldn't get heat stroke symtoms at 80 degrees.
6-7 miles?! Good golly! THEN you turned around? How far were you planning on running?!
Geez. I brisk walk @ 3 miles and-well I'm with you Mama Weezer.
Kathy

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by E-Double on Mar 13^th, 2006, 8:12pm

It certainly does.
The damn gland controls many things in our body.
If you're a schvitzer like me, it could be 20 below and you still sweat.
Hyperhydorsis= hypalthalmus dysfunction.

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by MJ on Mar 13^th, 2006, 8:58pm

I used to be a distance runner as well around 80 miles a week. However that was a few years back.

I actually stopped running due to the headaches that may have been similar to yours. It got so after a few miles they would start.

This was in the desert where I ran. I later moved to the high mountain country and started running again with no effects for a while. Strange but at peak condition they returned.

If it were heat stroke wich I used to think as well there should be a bit of confusion or fogginess in your thoughts and vision.

Now I'm just fat and happy and drive the car instead.

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by seasonalboomer on Mar 14^th, 2006, 10:36am

okay, so I'm twisting this idea around in my head this morning and I recall an incident in my early 20's when I was working on a split-rail fence in the middle of a major summer heat wave. I overdid it and ended up sick, nauseous with chills and thought something really bad had happened to me. Looking back at the symptoms, I very well could have had the symptoms of heat stroke. So, knowing that is a remote possibility, my thoughts then lead to what can be the after-effects, or damage from heat stroke on the hypothalamus. And, could this be sent on the trail or just another theory among friends.

Scott

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by ABarham on Mar 14^th, 2006, 11:38am

Scott: I certainly think that it deserves further investigation. I really don't think, even for those of you in top shape, that we were meant to be out exerting ourselves in high temps. Like I said, this is a problem for my husband who is NOT a cher. He gets incredible headaches from the heat. However, this is not something we have noticed with Adam. He works usually outdoors and in SC we have the heat and humidity. It is horrible. I will have him chart this with the temp and hits and see if it fits.

Love to all
Mama Weezer

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by Racer1_NC on Mar 14^th, 2006, 1:38pm

on 03/13/06 at 20:12:34, E-Double wrote:

The damn gland controls many things in our body.
If you're a schvitzer like me, it could be 20 below and you still sweat.

Another commonality between us.....

Bill

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by floridian on Mar 14^th, 2006, 8:18pm

Yeah, I am much more susceptible to heat stroke than any one else in my immediate family. Usually, though, I recognize the symptoms and limit myself so I just get heat exhaustion. Was up in Savannah playing tourist over the past few days, and although it wasn't really that hot (mid 80s), I was feeling it more than anyone else.

They say anyone who has had heat exhaustion/sickness/stroke is more susceptible to getting it again ... fries out the hypthalmagingy.

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by Jasmyn on Mar 15^th, 2006, 2:28am

on 03/13/06 at 15:36:06, seasonalboomer wrote:

So, my question out of all this for my fellow theorists, is: Do you think our hypothalamus issue, and its body clock management issues, also rolls into not being very good at managing the thermoregulatory function, resulting in an inceased lieklihood of heat illness when faced with large fluctuations in temperature?

Scott

I found this:
http://www.science.uwc.ac.za/physiology/temperature/temperature.htm

Found in the hypothalamus

Anterior Hypothalamus

promotes heat loss
Vasodialation
Sweating

Posterior Hypothalamus

promotes heat conservation
Decrease blood flow
Piloerection
Shivering
promotes heat production
Increase secretion of thyroid hormone
epinephrine and nor epinephrine secretion increase BMR

Hypothalamic Temperature Set Point

Definition: Groups of neurons that respond to increases/decreases in blood temperature relative to the hypotholamic 'set point' temperature.
Set point exceeded
increase heat loss
decrease heat conservation

Temp below set point
- decrease heat loss

- increase heat production

Like Rapunzel, I have very cold hands and feet(even in summer and it is bloody hot here!), gets cold easily but on the flip side overheat easily.

Could never run, even as a child because I got these pounding(normal) headaches. Heat stroke becomes a hobby if I don't watch out and stay cool 8) but as soon as I hit the shade, I return to ice queen status.

So a deduction will be, from reading all the comments, that as Chers we have either or both, anterior/posterior hypothalamus set points out of whack.

Most of us go through a temperature change during a hit, so it might seem that whenever one of our set points get way of the mark, we are more likely to get hit.

Sherbet, thermostats and clocks whack, we must be from another planet! ;)

Title: Re: Hypothalamus mis-functions
Post by seasonalboomer on Mar 20^th, 2006, 10:05am

Just so you know, inspite of my occasional rants at those who choose to drink, knowing that alcohol is a trigger for them and then proclaim, "Why me?" --- I'm just as stubborn as y'all are.

St. Patty's day, out with friends and neighbors and me stubborn, stupid man that I am --- had to have a couple to "celebrate". Then the joy of the dance with the O2 mask to no avail, finally Imitrex injection and settled in. And then to show my stupidity twice I have one more on Saturday -- and get hit again. What an idiot?

I'm done till cycle is done.

Scott