Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Lidocaine Injections
        
(Message started by: Kingy on Dec 10^th, 2006, 7:34am)

Title: Lidocaine Injections
Post by Kingy on Dec 10^th, 2006, 7:34am

Hi Guys,

Ive recently been told that the pain i have been suffering is CHs. On my third visit to the ER a doctor injected me with lidocaine in all the sore areas to touch around the side and back of my head. I also get the feeling that someone is pulling on my eyes and pains in my Jaw. I ended up having about 25 injections (not sure how many mg). The pain finially eased and then pain relievers have keep it at bay for 2 weeks until the other day. I am currently on 3 voltaren tablets and 8 panadeine forte a day. They don't seem to do a thing.
Are this many injections common and does anyone have these tender areas even when not having a CH???

Title: Re: Lidocaine Injections
Post by E-Double on Dec 10^th, 2006, 8:20am

Not a common treatment for CH.
Some will use lidocaine intranasal solution, however the efficacy of treatment is subpar compared to other treatments.

Look into Oxygen and shout out to the other Aussie members here!

Welcome

E

Title: Re: Lidocaine Injections
Post by BB on Dec 10^th, 2006, 10:52pm

Hi Kingy

Welcome!

I notice that you are from Sydney. There are 2 of us here from Sydney on the Board, Turts and my husband Daniel.

I am a GP practising in Wentworthville. I dont have CH but supporting my husband who does.

Check your PM, I have sent you my contact details in case you need anything.

Take care and painfree wishes.

Annette

Title: Re: Lidocaine Injections
Post by slhaas on Dec 11^th, 2006, 1:39am

That seems like a painful and ineffective way to threat a CH. I think they were trying their best without fully understanding the nature of this beast. Lidocaine can be used, but typically in a much different way and with no injections. Oxygen, and different forms of medications are the most common and effective methods of treatment, but those medications are typically not pain relievers, but rather chemical altering drugs that effect the blood vessels in your head, etc. I think a search of a more knowledgeable doctor (perhaps from one of the other Aussie members in your area) is in order.

Title: Re: Lidocaine Injections
Post by edbeek on Dec 11^th, 2006, 6:24am

Hi Kingy,
On my last visit to the GP a few weeks ago, he prescribed Voltarin(diclofenac sulphate) too. Max 4/day, and same as you, they had no effect at all.
I'm still trying to learn about CH, but I haven't read anywhere of Voltarin being an effective treatment for CH, and when I quickly checked info on Voltarin, I couldn't even see that it claimed to be a treatment for CH. I don't think migraine treatment even got a mention, but I could be wrong.
I wonder what the logic is for prescribing this to us?

Title: Re: Lidocaine Injections
Post by BB on Dec 11^th, 2006, 7:49am

Hi Edbeek,

Voltaren is an anti-inflammatory med, it doesnt do anything for CH pain.

Ask your GP to refer you to a neurologist who has experience treating CH.

Annette

Title: Re: Lidocaine Injections
Post by chewy on Dec 11^th, 2006, 7:53am

Anti-inflammatory meds will help by easing the symptoms of CH but they are not a first line treatment.

I always compliment my treatments with anti-inflammatories.

They DO help with CH pain but will not prevent or abort.

Title: Re: Lidocaine Injections
Post by jmorgan52 on Dec 11^th, 2006, 9:12am

I suggest you look for another Dr - one who has some real knowledge of CH.

You current Doc sounds ignorant of our problem