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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Cluster?  Please help
        
(Message started by: Garthfan777 on Jan 28^th, 2007, 9:33pm)

Title: Cluster? Please help
Post by Garthfan777 on Jan 28^th, 2007, 9:33pm

Hello, all. I am new to this and typed a long post, and then it told me the post was too long and deleted it! I will try and make it shorter....

I have been recently diagnosed with cluster migraines (after seeing a neuro who performed MRI, MRA and blood tests). Originally I thought it was a sinus infection, but the CT scans came back negative.

I also went the eye doctor route and dentist route. ALl the pain has been on the left side of my face for four weeks now...started in the corner of the eye by the eyebrow, traveled down to my cheekbone and then all the way around. I thought maybe it was a dental problem, but after all the x-rays where I had dental work on that side (bridge, root canal), he said probably not (plus doubtful the eyebrow would hurt!). The eye doc did a glaucoma test, and full retinal pix and everything looked great.

The neuro put me on prednisone (I'm on day 9 of 16) and the pain has gotten better, but I still experience blurry NIGHT vision (or in a dark room) and swelling on the left side of my face. I'm very scared, and haven't found anything on the board that says about vision at night or swelling in the face. I look like a chipmunk on the left side (or I have a toothache). I almost feel compelled to go back to the dentist to see if he should look further, but I doubt dental pain would go to my eyebrow.

My basic question is has anyone experienced the blurry vision at night with clusters (daytime vision is perfect), or swelling in the face? I had the swelling the 2nd week of the 'cluster' before the prednisone, so it's not from that.

I am a 39 year old male, who is driving himself crazy believeing this is a cluster. I feel like pursuing the dental route, or some other doctor because I can't find anything to support the vision/swelling symptoms of cluster, but I dont' want to go to the same docs unnecessarily. Can anyone give advice to calm this grown scared man down?

Thanks in advance!
Jim

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by MJ on Jan 28^th, 2007, 9:53pm

Hi Jim

Swelling is not so common with cluster headaches. I dont think it is very common with migraines either but not sure.

Continual pain is not common either with CH. Generally the intense pain comes for up to a few hours at most then dissipates only to return a while later.
The pain comes in clusters as said above and may last for weeks or years.

Nor is it common to refer to cluster headaches as cluster migraines by a neurologist. The two have distinct differences.

With prednisone, if it is to have a benefit its usually felt in less time than 9 days but you must continue the taper regardless.

Blurry vision may or may not happen, never happens with me personally.

Perhaps someone will be on who can reccommend a knowledgable doc in your area soon.

There is a cluster quiz in the links take it.

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by Little Deb on Jan 28^th, 2007, 11:09pm

I think I would go to a different dentist...you may have an abcess....or severe TMJ or something??
Have you tried a course of antibiotics?
I am not seeing cluster here.....and MJ is certainly right, the Neuro that told you Cluster Migraine doesn't know what he is talking about...since the two are like night and day....
Best of luck to you...let us know what you find out.
Little Deb

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by duckie on Jan 29^th, 2007, 5:19am

My mum has migraines and has sufferred from blurry vision and auras and all manner of strange vision problems. We finally found out about Irlen lenses which are for photodyslexia, sounds pretty weird but has helped with the vision she has during migraines. They usually have a quiz available from a specialist which can let you know if you might benefit from them. They are originally from the States.

I suffer from cluster & tension headaches and though they don't really help with clusters they have helped with the everyday tension headaches.

Duckie

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by Garthfan777 on Jan 29^th, 2007, 6:30am

Thank you for all your replies.

I could be the one mistaken. He probably said cluster headaches, and for some reason I processed as cluster migraines. Not thinking too straight with this.

I have been on antibiotics (because of the thought sinus infection for over a month) and they didn't help at all.

The dentist checked for abscess near where I had the work done, but my mouth and teeth don't hurt at all...the fact that I had initial pain at the upper corner of the eyelid and eyebrow are what's leading me away from the dental thing.

If it wasn't for the blurry vision, I wouldn't be as afraid, but vision is everything! That is one of the reasons I went that angle as one of the first, but the eyes appear fine...it has to be something neurological.

I guess I may call the dentist today again to ask him to take one more look. Can't hurt, right?

This is driving me crazy!

Thanks again to all.

Jim

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by Grandma_Sweet_Boy on Jan 29^th, 2007, 6:49am

Jim - did you take the cluster quiz that's to the left of the message board?

Like the others before me, it doesn't sound like clusters but we've all been around long enough to know that this is not a "one size fits all" type of problem.

Please take the quiz. Print off some of the other information found on the board as well and take it to your doctor when you go.

Hope you find your answers.

Carol

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by Karla on Jan 29^th, 2007, 8:03am

I get blurry vision when I am getting hit with a ch ha. It is my understanding that this is not the norm but is not unheard of. My eye sight is almost 20/20 when I am not getting hit. Good luck in taking the quiz and on your predison taper. I hope you find the answers you are looking for.

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by BB on Jan 29^th, 2007, 9:58am

Blurry vision at night only and perfect daytime vision is not a feature of cluster headache. Vitamin A deficiency can cause poor night vision.

I think you need to look further.

Do take the cluster quiz though as your symptoms dont seem to fit cluster headache. I hope you dont have cluster headache as there is no cure for it. If its something else then you have a much better chance of getting better.

Best wishes.

Annette

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by starlight on Jan 29^th, 2007, 1:22pm

The blurred night vision is not a symptom of cluster. Swelling and reddening of one side of the face is a POSSIBLE symptom of cluster headache.
Does your pain center around your eye?

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by olepi on Jan 29^th, 2007, 2:45pm

I also thought that it was my teeth at first, went to the dentist, but no. Clusters for me affect my jawbone (upper only), and feel like a toothache. Right now, I am getting clusters at night, every time I fall asleep, and not so much in the day (just a shadow all day and maybe one attack).

On the side of the attack, I sometimes get swelling. My nose will close off, eyelid droop, and I also get fuzzy vision in that one eye during the attack. The swelling is not visible from the outside though. If you can see the swelling, it is probably something else.

My vision is not too good anyway (20/200), and at night, with a cluster shutting down my eye (always on one side), I tear up and get worse vision. Perhaps that is like what you have.

I hope it is something else, because then you have some hope. If is really clusters, then there is very little anyone can do.

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by Garthfan777 on Jan 29^th, 2007, 6:39pm

Thank you all for your speedy replies and concern. I was afraid that I'd get mocked because I don't know what I'm talking about, but your patience has been great!

I did take the cluster quiz and if the majority wins, the signs point to clusters for me, but like I said the blurred vision (probably from the pain) and the slight swelling make me wonder.

I actually see the swelling more than other people. My wife said you really have to look in order to see the swelling. It feels and looks worse to me.

I'm actually going to take my scans to my dentist tomorrow, just to get an opinion if it could be dental, although I highly doubt it, as did he when I saw him 2 wks ago.

The blurred vision was instant when the massive corner of the eye pain started 4+ wks ago, that's why I dont' think it's a vitamin deficiency. The pain all hovers around the eye. Different points at different times.

I'll keep you all posted on how I make out at the dentist tomorrow night. Thanks again for your wonderful support!

Jim

Title: Re: Cluster? Please help
Post by BlueMeanie on Jan 29^th, 2007, 7:52pm

The pain you get on the side of your face is usually only present DURING an attack. If you have it constantly, it doesn't sound like Clusters. Same with the blurry vision and swelling. It should only happen during an attack and only on the side the the CH is on. When the CH is over, you should feel normal again until the next hit. I suggest getting a second opinion if I where you.