Hello,

The reason I put that subject in a board about clusters is because I'd really like to know if there's been a study about this, if it's specific to cluster heads, or if it's really just an anomaly in my blood.

As I put in an earler thread, some time ago, I get huge cravings for salt at the outset of every cluster attack.  Someone pointed out that there has been a study on this, but, a couple of weeks ago, I had a blood test, and this anomaly turned up.

It turns out the sodium levels were actually below the recommended amount.

I know that sodium, along with potassium, are two metals that the brain uses to operate, and that some people suffer from potassium deficiencies, and that got me to wondering.

Are sodium deficiencies common among cluster sufferers?  Anybody know?

Interesting....never seen any studies and don't think I have deficiency...but both my brother (never had a headache that I know of) and I crave salt. We eat it right out of the shaker. Didn't think it strange until more than a few folks pointed it out.....

Several studies have pointed to possible genetic issues related to ion-pumps in our cells - potassium, sodium,calcium, magnesium, and chloride. One class of meds to treat clusters are the calcium channel blockers.

Wish it was as easy as eating more salt or less- I think that is probably a symptom of something bigger. But some of us might  find partial relief by adjusting salt intake. Magnesium deficiency is the norm in clusters, and that is one thing I try to remedy in my chemistry.

Potassium supplements should also always be taken when on a Pred taper, for steroids have a tendency of decreasing potassium levels even further.

monty wrote on May 23^rd, 2010 at 9:09pm:

Wish it was as easy as eating more salt or less- I think that is probably a symptom of something bigger. But some of us might  find partial relief by adjusting salt intake. Magnesium deficiency is the norm in clusters, and that is one thing I try to remedy in my chemistry.

I know I'm not the only one who finds the craving of salt to be a sort of prelude.  With the responses from this thread, and I am wondering even more, now, if there is a possibility, I'm fairly certain that a study might just turn up a deficiency like this, and, if so, it may result in a new treatment.  I'm fairly certain it doesn't diminish the time of the attack, but I know it does indicate one coming on.

A possible connection: Sodium, much like Oxygen, breaks down NO (Nitric Oxide). Also, Prednisone and other Steroids contribute to the accumulation of Sodium in the body.

I remember someone posting here about using salt water as an abortive.