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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
        
(Message started by: krkrbts on Oct 25^th, 2006, 4:12pm)

Title: Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
Post by krkrbts on Oct 25^th, 2006, 4:12pm

I went to the doctor again today. Last week he had prescribed me Maxalt, Avelox-antibiotic, Zyrtec, and Pseudophed.None of the medications really helped.

I have noticed that now, my symptoms are changing. I have a burning sensation behind my right ear and often behind my right eye. When I go to sleep, that is when I once again get the pounding headache in the right eye. Occasionally, i will even have slight momentary pain behind my left eye.

Is this a sinus infection or a cluster headache? I finally got the doctor to prescribe me Imitrex -the pills. He gave me Percocet and told me to continue to take the Avelox. He also wants me to have blood tests done and an MRI.

Anyone have any thoughts as to what I might have? Thanks a lot.

Title: Re: Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
Post by Redd715 on Oct 25^th, 2006, 4:33pm

Over on the left side of the site here is a button called cluster quiz. Take that and see what it says

Please let us know how you come out ok?

Title: Re: Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
Post by TxBasslady on Oct 25^th, 2006, 4:58pm

Most of the meds he gave you are for sinus.

To my knowledge, a blood test would not be a tell all for CH.

Yep, take the cluster quiz...see how you score.

Good luck to ya,

Jean

Title: Re: Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
Post by Linda_Howell on Oct 25^th, 2006, 5:19pm

Quote:

Anyone have any thoughts as to what I might have?

If it's CH...the Percocet won't help.

Title: Re: Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
Post by krkrbts on Oct 25^th, 2006, 5:23pm

My doctor is not exactly sure if it is a cluster headache or a sinus infection

I took the quiz and from it-it seems more like a cluster headache.

I took Tylenol with codeine. That did NOTHING for the pain which is why he prescribed Percocet.

I will see what happens this week.

Thanks

Title: Re: Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
Post by chopmyheadoff on Oct 26^th, 2006, 2:21am

mate dont bother with the narcotics - they do squat for CH. I took dihydrocodine for years at quite high doses and found it quite hard to stop.

print out some info from this site to take to your doctor. You want a referral to a neurologist really..

good luck and keep us posted

chop

Title: Re: Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
Post by BarbaraD on Oct 26^th, 2006, 6:06am

At the onset of the headache drink a can of Red Bull. If it's CH that might help.

The pain meds DON'T work on CH at all. You need a vaso-constrictor (coffee, Red Bull). You might also try about 3 Excedin Extra Strength with the coffee. But be careful with them -- DO NOT TAKE too many or they will cause rebounds.

Good luck,

BD

Title: Re: Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
Post by floridian on Oct 26^th, 2006, 12:40pm

I believe that pseudophedrine makes my clusters worse - it messes with the circadian rhythms and depresses melatonin production.

Title: Re: Is it or is it not a cluster headache?
Post by Charlotte on Oct 26^th, 2006, 12:51pm

There may be some overlap of the feelings in sinus trouble and ch. You can have both, which will interfere with a clear diagnosis. The ch has a pattern (for me) with sweating, frenetic activity, intense pain which hits like a driven pounded burning spike, and when it is over- it's over, which doesn't happen with the sinus trouble. It has one sided nasal drip and congestion before the pain hits me. The face can be very tender, just like in sinus trouble, because of the ends of the trigiminal nerve, and also may feel like a toothache or an earache, which also subsides. With sinus problems, you might not have pain free time in between.

Charlotte