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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Getting to Know Ya >> migraine pain vs cluster pain
        
(Message started by: sk8ingcoach on May 15^th, 2008, 10:47am)

Title: migraine pain vs cluster pain
Post by sk8ingcoach on May 15^th, 2008, 10:47am

Hey all.

I'm 36 and female.

In November, I had the worst headache that I have ever experienced. This pain built up over roughly 4 - 5 hours. I tried to sleep, and woke up with pain worse than labor. I thought I was going to die, and in fact, was praying to die before the end of it.

The pain was all across the bottom of my skull. It was on both sides of my head. There were no stabbing pains through my eyes, no runny nose, and no drooping eyelids. I WAS crying, screaming, rocking, pacing, holding my head, and seeing starbursts. I believe I passed out a few times on the way to the hospital.

I scared the **** out of my husband and son.

One shot at the hospital made it stop immediately. No swelling on my brain or anything like that. I was pain free and home within 3 hours.

My GP thinks it was a migraine, and has put me on the blood pressure med propranolol as a preventative measure.

I have had 2 migraine headaches in my lifetime. I know exactly how they feel, and what happens. This was NOT a migraine.

However, I'm not sure it was a "cluster" either....because I have not had one since then. I've had what I call a "lurking" ache since then, but nothing like what I have seen described here. No regularity, no recurrance. (thank goodness!!!!)

Has anyone here ever experienced that, or heard of it? From what I have read, I don't think clusters are a "one time" type of thing. I'm still convinced that this was not a migraine, though. Thoughts?

Title: Re: migraine pain vs cluster pain
Post by beachmusic on May 15^th, 2008, 11:02am

I am so sorry you had this horrible headache. Doesn't really matter what it is labeled, it hurts like hell! :'(

Just a couple of questions?
How long has it been since you had this headache?
How long has it been since you had the other 2 migraines you menitoned in the past?

I have migraines and clusters and in my opinion migraines come in all shapes and sizes so I would not be so quick to rule that out! [smiley=twocents.gif]

Again sorry for you pain but keep reading and learning.
I hope the preventive helps you. Mary Ann

Title: Re: migraine pain vs cluster pain
Post by Brew on May 15^th, 2008, 11:15am

If it spanned both sides of your head, chances are high that it was not CH.

Title: Re: migraine pain vs cluster pain
Post by Tara Ann on May 15^th, 2008, 2:22pm

Sorry for your pain. I suggest not self diagnosis, but seeing a neurologist/headache specialist. That's the safest route. Best of luck

Title: Re: migraine pain vs cluster pain
Post by Paige_H. on May 15^th, 2008, 3:08pm

I was in the ER for the first time in years right after New Years, with exactly what you described. I also found out there were quite few others there with very similar symptoms. I have clusters, it takes a helluva lot to send me to the ER. But the pain around the back of my skull was unbelievable. They thought I had meningitis! Anyway, I have migraines, clusters, and the newest thing of just plain going half blind for 30 minutes. And that creature you had was none of the above. Funny thing, the doc at the ER told us about how many had been in with the same symptoms, but he didn't know what the heck the problem was.

Title: Re: migraine pain vs cluster pain
Post by sk8ingcoach on May 18^th, 2008, 8:48am

thanks for the replies everyone.

beach: the two migraines i had in the past....i was about 12 years old for the one, and maybe 22-23 years old for the second one. those were complete with major light sensitivity, dizziness, throwing up, etc. the horrible evil headache that i had, happened in November 2007. (6 months ago)

brew: that's what i was thinking too. most cluster headaches are described as being on ONE side ONLY, and closer to the eyes. but the pain that i experienced matched cluster descriptions. that's why i asked for thoughts. ;) thank you for yours!

tara: if i get another one of THOSE headaches, or continue with the lurking pain, my next step will be to see a neurologist. no WAY am i going to deal with THOSE headaches on my own. anyone who gets them on a regular basis and are still functioning are like....hero gladiators! toughest people on the planet, imo.

paige: i'm not sure if your post makes me feel better or worse! :o there was no one else in the er that had my same symptoms....and they thought it might be meningitis too. it obviously wasn't....they "diagnosed" me with non specific headache, gave me a shot and some ibuprofen/caffeine pills, and sent me on my way. it's scary to hear that the doc at your er did not know what it was! glad you're feeling better.

Title: Re: migraine pain vs cluster pain
Post by cash5542 on May 22^nd, 2008, 9:00pm

I grew up watching my Mom suffer very severe migraines. As bad as hers were I can't remember one being like what you described. At 12 I began having them too and again I can't remember anything like that. My daughter has both migraine and CH. The first attacks she had were almost a combination. They came like clockwork twice a day (CH trait) but were all through her head. IV meds stopped hers in seconds in the ER too. Within a month they became clearly CH and the light sensation and all over pain went away and became eye stabbing one sided. I really think you need to have some clear diagnosing, a good nuerologist and some kind of imaging to be sure it's not anything. I had a student once have a grandmal seizure in my classroom. They did a ton of testing but found nothing and she never had another seizure. You just never know! Like Tara Ann said, I would be careful not to self diagnose. Good luck!!

Charlotte