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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Cluster Headaches or really bad Migraines?
        
(Message started by: bathtubgin on Dec 1^st, 2007, 1:30am)

Title: Cluster Headaches or really bad Migraines?
Post by bathtubgin on Dec 1^st, 2007, 1:30am

Sorry in advance for the long post.

I'm hoping someone here can help me out because i'm at a loss, and i wont see my neurologist for another 2 weeks. For around 5 years now i've been getting extremely bad migraines. They started out slow, after my first migraine i didnt have another for close to a year, and it would be close to 6 months till i had another after that. Then i started getting then around September one year i started getting them at least 4 times a week, and they always happend in the morning. Sometimes i would get them two or three days in a row and they lasted anywhere from 8-16 hours.

Eventually i was put on topamax to control the headaches, as well as imitrex injections to "stop" them when i get them. The topamax works to a point, I've gone from 4 a week to 4-6 a month. And it took close to 2 years for me to notice but i only seem get migraines for a few months around the spring and fall, and then they stop.

I've only had one headache in the past that seemed to match the symptoms of a cluster headache. I woke up around 2AM with the absolute worst headache i have ever had. The pain was different and it hurt worse than any migraine i had before. I cant say how long it lasted because imitrex has a tendency to knock me out, and i gave myself a shot as soon as i could. My sister has also had a headache similar to this, but it also included the drooping eyelid. However she has not had another since and she doesn't get migraines (at least not like i do).

Over the last few days i've been getting headaches that feel different than my "normal" ones. They're on the right side of my head, id have to rate them around 3-4 on the pain scale. they last a few minutes and then they're gone. and then i'll get another one less than an hour later.

Has anyone experience anything similar?

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches or really bad Migraines?
Post by nani on Dec 1^st, 2007, 1:52am

Hi bathtubgin. (that's a funny name) ;)

I'm sorry you are experiencing so much pain.
I think it would be helpful if you kept a headache diary. Your neuro may be able to make a diagnosis more quickly if he can see any patterns that you may have.

Record the time, intensity, location and duration of every headache. Bring it with you to your appointment.
Clusters don't usually last longer than 2 or 3 hours max.

Good luck and pain free wishes, nani

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches or really bad Migraines?
Post by Linda_Howell on Dec 1^st, 2007, 2:10am

Yep, bad name, because Alcohol is a trigger for episodics.

Quote:

Sometimes i would get them two or three days in a row and they lasted anywhere from 8-16 hours.

I can say w/o a shadow of a doubt that no cluster headache ever lasted this long.

Quote:

I've only had one headache in the past that seemed to match the symptoms of a cluster headache.

No one has only ONE cluster headache.

Quote:

They're on the right side of my head, id have to rate them around 3-4 on the pain scale. they last a few minutes and then they're gone.

I want to say something here but I will not because I am not a Dr. I am just a chronic sufferer for 21 yrs.

I will say this however. Please get thee to a Dr. Do what Nani suggested with the headache diary, it is very important, because you can save yourself a lot of time as well as money if you come preparred to do battle with a Doctor.

I wish you nothing but the least ... and I mean that in the best way. Linda Howell

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches or really bad Migraines?
Post by bathtubgin on Dec 1^st, 2007, 2:31am

well, the name is actually from a song. I dont drink and from what i can tell aside from the time of the year i have no triggers. My bro gets migraines if he eats chocolate or Parmesan cheese, but nothing like that effects me.

That one headache i had seemed to be about the around the pain level that people describe when they have clusters. But like i said i havent had another one like it since. I'm thinking I just get really bad migraines all the time around the spring and fall. I'll definitely start keeping a headache diary though.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches or really bad Migraines?
Post by Linda_Howell on Dec 1^st, 2007, 2:46am

well what ever your first name is, I am so happy to NOT welcome you here and I mean that in the best way.

You really should see a family Dr. get a true diagnosis of Migraines or whatever...and be treated for it properly.

I sooooo wish you the best.

my first name is Linda ;)

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches or really bad Migraines?
Post by starlight on Dec 3^rd, 2007, 2:03pm

Hi Bathtubgin,

I know someone who gets migraines that come in clusters like you are describing.
Very debilitating when they set in. It definitely doesn't sound like cluster headaches though. Good luck at your neurologist. Star