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New Message Board Archives >> Jan-Mar 2003 >> Evolving Understanding of CH
(Message started by: Bob_Johnson on Jan 29th, 2003, 9:37am)

Title: Evolving Understanding of CH
Post by Bob_Johnson on Jan 29th, 2003, 9:37am
I'm posting this abstract for two reasons: first, it indicates how understanding of CH is evolving and; second, it points to the problem of trying to force our definition of CH into a rigid box.

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Cephalalgia 2002 Nov;22(9):725-9 Related Articles, Links  


Atypical presentations of cluster headache.

Rozen TD.

Department of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. RozenT@ccf.org

Recently, cluster headache has been shown to occur with aura, suggesting that as more cluster patients are seen by headache specialists new forms of this well-defined primary headache syndrome will be identified. This study presents three atypical presentations of cluster headache: persistent or unremitting cluster, periodic cluster, and reflex or event-related cluster. Case reports are presented with an explanation as to why these headaches should be considered cluster headache.


Title: Re: Evolving Understanding of CH
Post by Margi on Jan 29th, 2003, 10:12am
Is it that, Bob?  That CH is evolving? Or is it that cluster headache is becoming a catch-all diagnosis for otherwise unidentifiable headache?  

Don't get me wrong, I'm not arguing with you, it just scares me that maybe researchers are making this too wide an arena and maybe jeopardizing their ability to pinpoint a cure.

Event-related clusters? Periodic cluster (episodic or a "cluster" attack once every few weeks, like a migraine)?  Persistant cluster (does that mean chronic or just one continuous attack)? I'd love to see those case files.

I think it's our job as victims of this condition to continue to be watchdogs over the research.  But, that's just me.

Title: Re: Evolving Understanding of CH
Post by Bob P on Jan 29th, 2003, 10:51am
It seems to be contradictary to call it a "well-defined primary headache sydrome" in one sentence and then say there are non-conforming types of the same well-defined syndrome.

It would be interesting to see the complete article and see what their reasoning was to say that these non-conforming attacks should be considered in the cluster family.

WDGCH!

Title: Re: Evolving Understanding of CH
Post by Jarvis on Jan 29th, 2003, 1:50pm
; "second, it points to the problem of trying to force our definition of CH into a rigid box".

Having read of many apparent variations just on this site alone It would seem that this is logical... Just look at the ways that medications alone affect each and everyone of us differently. The variations in time and intensity, possible trigger or event relations.. To whose HA should we conform?......... If understanding is indeed evolving to cover all the seemingly small yet vast variations of clusters this could only help in creating small steps towards a cure. .....mj

Title: Re: Evolving Understanding of CH
Post by Ree on Jan 29th, 2003, 2:03pm
Dave went to the neuro yesterday and may I say WE HAVE THE BEST NEURO THIS SIDE OF BOSTON...any way she still believes that CH is a rare disorder... I have to say I do too... and still believe that there are those here that get the same symptoms as I do...(Migraine) Not everyone here (though they may have been told) has Cluster Headache... I think that same thing is happening Margi... people are having head pain that is acute and their docs are saying " Clusters "   ~~~~on to the next patient... end of story... Ree

Title: Re: Evolving Understanding of CH
Post by Jarvis on Jan 29th, 2003, 2:20pm
I agree with you too Ree. Migrains and clusters are not the same.

Title: Re: Evolving Understanding of CH
Post by brain_cramps on Jan 29th, 2003, 2:27pm
Pretty soon we'll have 'Cluster Classic', 'Cluster Light', 'Cluster Dry', and my favorite 'Cluster Hi-Test'



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