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http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Do I have cluster headaches? http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1275759729 Message started by Lelsie on Jun 5^th, 2010 at 1:42pm

Title: Do I have cluster headaches?
Post by Lelsie on Jun 5^th, 2010 at 1:42pm

The first attack was about 7 years ago and I thought I was having a stroke and was going to die. It lasted about 5 minutes but those were the longest 5 minutes of my life. Later the same day I a had another attack for approx 3 min. the next did not occur for approx 3 years and lasted only minute. Again I was pain free for 3 years and had an attack this morning that had me screaming for dear life and rolling on the floor. As always it was located over the right eye but felt like explosions going off. I can not describe the pain in a way someone other than a sufferer would understand. All that I have read says that I should have episodes for a week or two before the remission time but this is not true in my case, thankfully. Is this cluster headache or possibly something else?

Title: Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
Post by Racer1_NC on Jun 5^th, 2010 at 1:49pm

To be honest, there are many headache types that mimic CH. Please see a headache specialist and get a diagnosis, then you will know what you are dealing with and how to fight it.

In the meantime, take the Cluster Quiz located here: START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to

END PRINTPAGE

Title: Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
Post by Linda_Howell on Jun 5^th, 2010 at 3:04pm

Un-medicated, a cluster HA lasts for far longer than that and several times a day. We do not get one 3 min. HA and then go for several years pain-free.

Title: Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
Post by chrisw on Jun 5^th, 2010 at 4:02pm

A three minute ha, every five years !!!!! now thats something I could deal with happily!

Title: Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
Post by Skull Buster on Jun 6^th, 2010 at 1:55am

yeah Leslie, sounds like you got something else. I've only had these damn things for a few years, but I've had to watch my father live w/ them for about 30 years.(not pretty) So basicly my whole family is pretty educated about CH. Don't know why I waited so long to try o2. >:(

Title: Re: Do I have cluster headaches?
Post by Guiseppi on Jun 6^th, 2010 at 9:42am

Your initial description does not sound like CH. If you're not already doing so, keep a very detailed headache journal, when they start, how long they last, how fast the pain builds, how high it builds, describe the actual pain, stabbing, throbbing, burning etc., how fast it goes away, what has and hasn't worked in the past, any food triggers you can identify. The more details the better.

Then get to a headache specialist. There are hundreds of headache types and treatments that help for one type are useless for another. Good luck!

Joe