Hi,
I'm from Fresno Ca and have been suffering from Episodic CH's since I was a teen. Although it's a few weeks late this years episodes have begun and will stick around for 4-6 weeks of daily attacks.

Depending on the attach I've found that dunking my head in the bathroom sink filled with ice cold water will sometime numb the pain...other times it increases the pain.  Based on this sites pain scale my attacks tend to always be in the 8-10 scale. 
 

Hey DC, sorry to hear the beast is back for the annual visit.  :(

You might wanna check out the oxygen info link to the left of this webpage - it outlines the newer, much more effective method of O2 use for aborting attacks.

Hey DC...we gotta get you out of the dark ages in CH treatment!!

Prevents, this is a med you take daily to reduce the number and intensity of your attacks. I use Lithium at 1200 mg a day, blocks 60-70% of my hits, Verapamil is the standard first round prevent, it's used at levels higher then most docs are used to, some as high as 960 mg a day, Topomax also has a loyal following.

Abortives, an attack starts, now what. Oxygen should be your first line abortive. I went from 90 minute rides to 6-10 minute aborts. Read the oxygen info link on the left and get set up with it. Won't take you long to see why we all swear by it!

Imitrex injectables and nasal spray, they're a double edged sword. They stop the attack in its tracks, but there is a growing belief that these meds increase lengths of cycles. No firm official studies, just personal experiences from other board members.

Energy Drinks. Rock Star, Red Bull, any containing the combo of caffeine and taurine. Chugged down at the first sign of an attack it will reduce or abort attacks for many.

From the sounds of your current regimen, I assume you're not seeing a headache doctor yet? There have been so many advances in the last few years it's certainly worth going in to see what they can do to help you. Riding out 8-10 level hits sounds like no fun.

Joe

I know writing to a new site, especially one that deals with such personal pain, can be daunting. But you've gotten great advice from the previous graybeards here. And why not open up a bit and let us know what else you've tried? Joe's list is a great place to start. And if you haven't gone down that road, I've got great news: the beast can be tamed! Blessings. lance

Welcome,give us a little more info. Day or night attacks,how many per day,meds your taking??
Good Luck,were here if you need to vent.