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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Difference between stroke and cluster headache!
        
(Message started by: bill_w. on Jun 21^st, 2006, 1:03pm)

Title: Difference between stroke and cluster headache!
Post by bill_w. on Jun 21^st, 2006, 1:03pm

Hello Everyone! I am wandering what the differences are between cluster headaches and having a stroke are? I was diaganosed with cluster headaches back in 2000 after having them for 12 years and have been in long remissiance until last night and had super bad bout but had other symptoms and was wanting to know what the true symptoms of having a stroke are? Thanks for any and all info!

bill w.

Title: Re: Difference between stroke and cluster headache
Post by E-Double on Jun 21^st, 2006, 1:11pm

Get your ass to a doctor

Title: Re: Difference between stroke and cluster headache
Post by bill_w. on Jun 21^st, 2006, 1:22pm

Why? They just send u back home cause symptoms are gone!

Title: Re: Difference between stroke and cluster headache
Post by E-Double on Jun 21^st, 2006, 2:26pm

Then it is not stroke

Title: Re: Difference between stroke and cluster headache
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jun 21^st, 2006, 7:35pm

Bill,

Welcome. Believe me, if you're having a stroke, you'll know. Most clusterheads get a drooping eye, runny nose, etc. on the side of the cluster attack when in cycle and in pain.

With a stroke, you'd probably feel no pain at all...just a sudden loss of function in one part of your body ... loss of speech, numbness and loss of function in one arm or leg, etc. Rarely, if ever, any pain of any kind.

Hope this was a serious question, cos I gave a serious answer.

PF Wishes,

Kris

Title: Re: Difference between stroke and cluster headache
Post by bill_w. on Jun 21^st, 2006, 8:03pm

Thanks Kris! This is very serious question, believe me, last night i had a headbanger of headache over left side of eye and head and neck to start then whole left side of body went numb along with nausea and blurred vision and it all lasted about 2 hours then got feeling back but have had steady pressure on left side of head and face with dull headache all day today, i also have chronic back pain along with ear ringing and on high blood pressure meds. I haven;t had a cluster bout in 4 years and this could be strt again or i've got something else happening! Thanks again.

Title: Re: Difference between stroke and cluster headache
Post by mynm156 on Jun 21^st, 2006, 8:41pm

We are reallt talking about two different things here a Stroke and An Aneurysm. An Aneurysm is a bleed in the brain that can rupture or not but its the pressure on the meninges that are the system of membranes that envelop the central nervous including the brain. This pressure causes Localized Headache, Nausea, could be vomiting, a Stiff Neck or Neck Pain might be present, Blurred Vision / Double Vision, Dilated Pupils, Sensitivity to Light and Loss of Sensation. A stroke on the other hand usually does not have these types of symtoms they are facial weakness an inability to talk possible loss of bladder control. There might be a difficulty in breathing or swallowing. Then of course there is paralysis or weakness, particularly on one side of the body. Now in hemorrhagic strokes the symtoms of an Aneurysm as well as that of a stroke could be present. If you have a Brain Bleed you will pretty much now that something is WRONG!

Good Vibes!

Mynm156

Title: Re: Difference between stroke and cluster headache
Post by Sandy_C on Jun 22^nd, 2006, 1:08pm

Bill, seriously, I'm going to go back to what E-Double said. Get yourself back to a doctor. Typically, clusterheadaches do not cause one side of the whole body to go numb, and then have feeling return a little later As I said, "typically" this doesn't happen. A stroke can cause one side of your body to lose feeling, but I don't think that the feeling returns, at least it sure didn't when my Mother had her stroke. Your cycle may be returning, OR something else could be happening, OR it could be a combination.

Go see your doc. If he doesn't do more than "just send you home because symptoms are gone" - find another doc.

Sandy

Title: Re: Difference between stroke and cluster headache
Post by bill_w. on Jun 22^nd, 2006, 4:42pm

Got appt. with doc! I do not think it was stroke and so far my clusters are not back, no headaches today so far. I think it is cirrosis of the liver that is causing blockage to brain and causing the headaches and other symptoms, I drank few beers for the first time in over a year and that is my reminder why I can't drink alcohol.

Title: Re: Difference between stroke and cluster headache
Post by Kris_in_SJ on Jun 22^nd, 2006, 8:19pm

I'm glad to hear you have an appointment with the doc, Bill.

I was gently reminded by a cluster friend last night that strokes can often be accompanied by a headache. The symptoms you described in your second post are not typical of a cluster attack, even though a long remission is not uncommon (I'm a 4-5 year cycle girl, myself).

Please keep us informed of what you find out.

Hugs,

Kris