I saw Dr. Gordon Robinson (Vancouver - Neurologist) and he gave me an injection of Lidocaine & a steroid (cortisol maybe?) on the left side at the base of my neck. It has not been as helpful as was hoped. Has anyone else also received this treatment? Was it beneficial? How long did it last for?

Paul

Never heard of it.  Others will tell you more info.

Good luck!

Hi Paul,
I had this procedure done in June.  I had the clearest head that I have had since February after having it, but unfortunately it only lasted a day for me.  My clusters came back slowly over the next few days to "normal" and I have them daily.  Others have had better success - months of PF time, as I understand from others I have talked to!    8-)

And Joni - the procedure is commonly referred to as GON Block, Greater Occipital Nerve Block, or ONB - just Occipital Nerve Block.   ;)

Sorry you didn't have better success Paul... I had pain at the injection site, but wouldn't have given up my PF day for Nothing!!! 

Val

Thanks, Val.  I just may need that info someday!  I learn something every day!

I had this done too.  I had maybe one day with SOME relief.  That means no HA's, but severe shadows etc.  I had it done a 2nd time, with absolutely no results.  I even had trigger point injections (which are helpful for migraines)  which also were not helpful.  I was hoping to get some PF weeks or even months as well, but it wasn't to be!  Hang in.

I have had this done several years back, the Dr. would give me the lidocaine/steroid injection (in 2 different spots), He gave my wife lidocaine to use after I left. It worked ok but I was chronic and with several attacks each day I needed too many injections so I finally had to stop MikeS

I was beginning to wonder if I was the only who it didn't work very well for. My experience was very similar to Val's.

Next he wants to try Botox. It it affective? Are the success rates high?

Paul

My husband has had multiple trigger point injections with kenalog and lidocaine and now stronger steroids and lidocaine.  When the lidocaine wears off so does the pain relief.  Sorry, I just pray there will be another way.  But it seems that what works for one may not work for the other.  Maybe you will have better success.  We will pray for CH sufferers.

Versilleus,

      I think the procedure you had done is a Occipital Nerve Block. I myself have had several done. I have had some help for a week or two. I think it may be how accurately it is injected. It may also be the steroid in the shot because I'm PF on Prednisone. I've been on Verapamil and Indomethacin as a preventative and it seems to help. Imetrex injections as an abortive works for me.

Good Luck
Greg