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 >> Is this a cluster headache?
        
(Message started by: bobself on Jul 26^th, 2007, 2:18pm)

Title: Is this a cluster headache?
Post by bobself on Jul 26^th, 2007, 2:18pm

We are trying to find out what kind of headache our daughter has. We've seen neurologists but none have used the term "cluster headache". They just call it a chronic headache or migrainous. We have another appointment next week and I'm trying to understand what she has. From my internet searching it seems like she may have a cluster headache.

She has had a continuous bad headache for about 8 months. The pain is not localized to one side of the head. It seems to be "all over". She had
a car accident about 4 years ago and we think that they started after that, but the current one started 8 months ago. She's had MRI's, cisternograms, etc and nothing can be found. She's been on various drugs but nothing helps.

What can we try next?

thanks,
Bob

Title: Re: Is this a cluster headache?
Post by Guiseppi on Jul 26^th, 2007, 2:26pm

Take the cluster quiz on the left. From the little you said my first impression is no. Cluster get their names because they come in groups or "clusters". While some are episodic, getting several months in between groupings, and some are chronic, going a year straight with no breaks, the headaches themselves tend to follow a pattern. You go from pain free to excrutiating pain in a short period of time, as little as 5-10 mnutes, the headache will peak and then leave in 45-90 minutes, leaving you with a head ache hang over.

The eye on the affected side will droop, the nostril on the affected side will often run, the pain is described as a poker in the eye radiating along the jaw and the side of the head.

So take the quiz, have her start keeping a diary and see how it looks. You might have her try slammig an energy drink at the start of an attack. Rock star, monster, any containing caffeine and taurine, many with cluster headaches can abort an attack that way, might be a shot in the dark worth trying. As a dad with two adult daughters i feel for you.

Guiseppi

Title: Re: Is this a cluster headache?
Post by UN solved on Jul 26^th, 2007, 3:17pm

No, that doesn't sound at all like a cluster headache. She should be seen by a headache specialist.

Goodluck on finding a helpful treatment or cure.

Pain Free Wishes

UNsolved

Title: Re: Is this a cluster headache?
Post by Rosybabe on Jul 26^th, 2007, 5:09pm

I am with UNSolved on this one. It does not look like CH's, you are mentioning "all over" pain. CH is very particular only one side of the head at the time. Could change sides but not both sides at the same time.

Sometimes We have to see several Neurologists before we can find one who can helps us.

Good Luck and hope you find the right Doctor and the right treatment for your daughter.

A headache is always painful and we feel bad for her to have to go through this.

Please come back and let us know how she is doing.

Rosy.

Title: Re: Is this a cluster headache?
Post by BMoneeTheMoneeMan on Jul 26^th, 2007, 5:50pm

While the internet is great for gathering information, please let the diagnosis come from a trained medical professional.
Your daughter's head pain could come from literally hundreds of different types of conditions. I sincerely hope they can come to a conclusion soon and treat your daughter.
Don't lose the faith. I know it must be frustrating to have all those tests done and still have no idea what the problem is. Keep yo chin up!!
B$