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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
        
(Message started by: JB on Mar 13^th, 2008, 4:19am)

Title: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by JB on Mar 13^th, 2008, 4:19am

I've been having cluster headaches for about three weeks. Was finally able to get some Medrol and after six days they seemed to be clearing up. Then yesterday at about 2:30 I felt a headache coming on. For about an hour it was a standard, pretty bad cluster headache. Then it receded and I expected it to go away as usual. Instead it hung around until about 2 am this morning.

It seemed A LOT more like what people describe as a standard migraine headache--long duration, not as painful, it felt better to lie still than to move around, bright light made it worse, etc. I've had three episodes of cluster headaches (winter '04, winter '06, this winter) and I've never had a headache like that.

So, a couple questions:

1. Anyone had that sort of headache during a cluster phase? Is it just a weird cluster headache or something else?

2. After feeling good for a couple days I had a glass of milk and a banana around lunchtime because I was running late and didn't have time for a real meal. I never drink milk just by itself, but do have it in cereal, coffee, etc. I'm wondering if milk in more than small quantities is a trigger for anyone.

Title: Re: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by Bob_Johnson on Mar 13^th, 2008, 6:44am

Most especially with suspect foods: look for patterns; single events are not useful to make decisions.

Re. changes in your CH: not at all unusual for changes to occur for months, even years, when CH first appears. Shifts in pain sites, type of pain, etc. may go on and appear to have no significance. I went through this shifts for 3-4 years.

Title: Re: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by ScottR on Mar 13^th, 2008, 6:50am

Ditto here JB,
I've finally registered on this board after using it over the years when I start to feel sorry for myself. Reading posts seemed to help with the 'feeling alone' mentality. Thanks to those in the past for the support!
I've dealt with CH sessions now for almost 30 years and had the same thing happen. About 3 days into my current session I went from typical CH on the left side and then oddly switched sides to the right and changed to more like a severe migraine. (stabbing pain from temple to upper jaw without the eye involved).
This new 'variation will run 3-4 throughout the night lasting about an hour each. Not as miserable as a normal CH, but these knock me down more frequently so its a bit of a wash.
This really confuses me too as its certainly away from the norm.

Title: Re: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by Ray on Mar 13^th, 2008, 7:33am

JB:

I'm sorry to say that there are others here who have combinations of headaches, including migraine, with their cluster headaches. Keep a headache calendar and discuss these symptoms with your headache doctor.

With best wishes,

Ray

Title: Re: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by BarbaraD on Mar 13^th, 2008, 8:02am

And it could be shadows just hanging there.... Mine do that - the CH will receed to a shadow and the shadow will just hang there and hang there - enough to let me know that MR. D hasn't gone anywhere. Makes you miserable and worn out. My ear cramps along with it.

Had that happen Tues. All day I hit about a 6 - O2, Red Bull, Coffee, food, - even resorted to Cafergot - nothing touched it. I was just a grouch all day with a swollen eye and not a real nice person to be around. About 5 that evening it went away. No rhyme or reason.

Don't really know what to tell you....

Hugs BD

Title: Re: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by E-Double on Mar 13^th, 2008, 9:46am

Quite possible an additional headache type.
It sucks.

Hangin there and breathe

Title: Re: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by thomas on Mar 13^th, 2008, 11:55am

on 03/13/08 at 09:46:51, E-Double wrote:

Quite possible an additional headache type.
It sucks.

Hangin there and breathe

Yep, I think a lot of CH'ers have more than one headache type.

Title: Re: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by Whipsmart on Mar 15^th, 2008, 10:17am

When I get hit, I usually have the same thing. My doc said he was pretty sure it was migraines along with clusters. He wasn't ready to diagnose me with migraines yet. They suck. While it's not as bad as the cluster event, it definitely saps all the energy from you.

Title: Re: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by outofcommission on Mar 23^rd, 2008, 12:13pm

when i am in peak cycle a ch trumps out any other kind of pain. near the end of a cycle i get less intense chs and some pretty bad migraines accross the top of my head and eyes. also those all day kip3s or kip5s could be an indication that your meds are startiing to work. it's possible you could be near the end of your cycle, lets hope. ;) as far as bananas go i had a friend that had bad migraines (not ch) and said that potassium helped with his condition.

Title: Re: Cluster headache that seems like a migraine?
Post by kevmd on Mar 24^th, 2008, 9:53pm

2 weeks ago I had a headache I never experieinced before. Not sure if it was a migraine but I did vomit. I couldn't move at all. The slightest move felt like my head would explode. It lastest at full force for about 24 hours though I was able to fall asleep a few times. I woke up the middle of the next night and it was suddenly gone. I think it finally ended with som etylenol and fever few. The last 24 hours, it feels like it is trying to join the party but I am keeping it away with the fever few. Give it a try. GNC and some Rite Aids sell it