Hello this my first post never thought to check out a forum for this. I have had these headaches for about 9 years now and my doc once said "vascular headache". Will attempt to make this short as possible. What I know alcohol allways seems to be the trigger, once In awhile it will not and a late night one will happen. Allways in my right eye lasting maybe 45minutes at the longest. Feels like A slurpee/ice cream headache almost. Eye will water turn red and drop a bit If an intense one is underway. If I get a real Dandy have thrown up cause of the pain, seems to be worse from a Hot day/summer time. Also feels lately like my heartbeat is picked up feel it beating, I really thought I was done with them stopped smoking last May and really haven't had one, kinda figured just another reason to keep off Cigarettes. But recently been getting them, come home have a beer or two after work and next thing Im just about crying. Another wierd symptom which I read about was nose running and my right nosetril will become plugged as a cold would cause. Im curious am I dealing with a Toxic headache or a Cluster? Just reading different info about clusters and cycles kinda figured maybe thats what Im dealing with. I know a hot shower will help calm it down and a cold one will make me almost scream. I know just lately they have been quite Intense and once they have gone can kinda still feel it for awhile. Normally they disapeer as quick as they appear. Sorry for the vague explantion and my grammer may be bad, Curious If this sounds like anyone else's experience? Thanks D

We are not Doctors here so getting a good diagnosis from a Dr., Neurologist, or preferably a Headache specialist is a word to the wise.

On the left side of the screen, where you click on the 'message board' there are some links. Take the "cluster quiz", and read the "kip scale", "cluster traits", "oxygen info", etc.

Read all you can on the board to educate yourself about CH.

Don

Hey Doug,

It sure sounds like cluster headaches, but I'm not a doctor...  Suggest you take the Cluster Quiz in the tab on the left then take the results to your PCP or neurologist. 

Cluster headaches are rare and as a result, few PCPs and neurologists have ever treated people with this condition.  That makes knowing how to describe your symptoms in the right terms important.

If your quiz results sound like cluster headaches, tell your PCP or neurologist.  If he or she agrees and understands the more current standards of care in treating this disorder, expect a 10 day to two week prednisone taper and verapamil as the initial preventive strategy. 

Oxygen therapy at 15 to 25 liters/minute is the leading abortive (what you take to end an attack that's already started).  The next best abortive falls into a class of medications called triptans like imitrex or zomig.  Injections are the fastest acting followed by nasal spray and finally tablets.

Take care and keep us posted.

V/R, Batch

Thanks folks, seriously wasn't looking for a diagnosis over the net just looking for similar problems. Reading more after I see lots of similar symptoms. Hmm can't see the cluster quiz? D

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