Hey gang, diane here, wife of Bob who is in the middle of a Bad Crisis time. I sent my thanks to you all last Thnksgiving when we were "at the edge of a cliff" with the CH. He has had some relief this year, however is back into full blown hurt. His Neuro has put him in for a Trigeminal Nerve Block this monday. Always the optimist I'm praying for his relief. Anyone out there received this block? Info as to procedure and prayers that it works for him would be greatly appreciated. Hugs to you all.
di

If I understand what they're sending him for correctly, it's nothing more than some shots of lidocaine, maybe some steroid in the side of the head and over the eye. They inject several times and it's not pleasant but is bearable. I'v had this done several times and it help to relieve pain almost immediately. For me it lasts only about a week, but for others it can last up to a couple of months. Also, it doesn't stop my major attacks, only the ongoing pain and shadows. -Chris

My understanding about nerve blocks is that they are a "bridge" therapy, meaning that they don't last very long, but can provide relief until long-term preventatives kick in. I have only received an occipital nerve block, but would imagine that the trigeminal nerve block would be a similar treatment.

Is he on anything other preventatives or abortives?

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We all know how horrific these attacks are and wish you the best.

Good luck.

~ Katie

Thanks Katie.
Yes, he is on the preventative train of Verapamil, tried Indomethycine (worked great but severly affected his stomach so he had to stop), & Amytriptaline. Did the medrol 7 day steroid 3 weeks ago (has worked great in past but relief for only 2 weeks). We have Imitrex shots, Zomig sprays and tablets and o2. Our Neuro is great, from the John R. Graham Headache center here in Boston. Still trying to find the right fix. Stay tuned...we're only 24 hours away from the injection, will let you know how he fairs. Again, hopping for a long term fix. Best,
diane

Has he considered the buster route?

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No more preventatives, no more abortives. I keep an O2 tank or two around, just for good measure.

Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2010 Jul 27.

Blocking the Greater Occipital Nerve: Utility in Headache Management.

Young WB.

Department of Neurology, Jefferson Headache Center, Thomas Jefferson University,
111 South Eleventh Street, Gibbon Building, Suite #8130, Philadelphia, PA, 19107,
USA, William.B.Young@jefferson.edu.

Occipital nerve block has been part of headache medicine for more than HALF A
CENTURY, with injection techniques and solutions varying greatly. Most studies
have been case series and many show benefit for patients with migraine, cluster
headache, and postconcussive headache. A double-blind, controlled trial of
cluster headache has demonstrated that injectable steroids with local anesthetics
benefit cluster headache patients. A double-blind, controlled trial of nerve
blocks in occipital neuralgia, which may have actually been chronic migraine, was
positive.

PMID: 20661785 [PubMed]

Brew: thanks for the suggestion, O2 is part of his therapy but doesn't work as well for him as it does for others. Have tried many homeopathic options and others on CB site.

Bob: I was asking about Trigeminal nerve block, not Occipital nerve block...different location, different nerve, different procedure.

Procedure is done so we're now more knowledgeable so will be able to answer someone elses questions regarding what to expect w/ this nerve block procedure.

Again, thx all. Hoping we're one step closer to a break in his cycle.
diane

Well, another MA sufferer, I see. There are several of us around. I see Dr R at the Graham headache clinic and he is very informed. Also wasn't shocked when I asked about the clusterbuster route. Harvard has done some research in this area, and he teaches at the Medical School. I pray your husband's cycle is broken with this. And I don't mean to be at all condescending, since O2 doesn't work completely for everyone, but...you're sure you have a high enough flow rate and he is acheiving hyperoxia? I only bring it up because until Batch straightened me out I was pretty much using it ineffectively. Best of luck, and God bless! lance

Hey Lance, yes wife of MA sufferer, have chatted w/ a few of us around, Donna Mae is one town over from us. We too see Dr. R at Graham clinic (turned Donna Mae onto him) Found him March 09, saw him finally June 09 after persuing the appt. I cried when I heard him say it was atypical CH (atypical because Bob retches terribly w/ the pain, cried because the relief was palpable and knew I was right all along, long dealings w/ Neuro associated w/ BI). Dr. R is the one who prescribed the o2 and I believed that the regulator is the correct one and being used right.  Regulator is 15L/M max. Perhaps I should buy/order a new one. Would love to know more to make 100% sure or fix it so we can really know. Who is Batch? I'm also interested to hear Dr R open to discussing break thru w/ clusterbuster route. I so want Bob to get off the meds (abortives first). We didn't choose to get on this roller coaster ride (who of any of us sufferers or supporters do) and we wish we could get off. Nerve Block caused him 24 hours of distress major soreness in cheekbone, jaw couldn't open to eat and constant pain. However after that the next 24 hours were ok. He had a few twinges tonight and extremely irritable because he too like me was hoping for the silver bullet. I read him the newsweek article from a link from CB.com site. About Bob Wold and his discoveries. My Bob listens, and I believe heard a little more this time I discussed. Wish we could get him into a clinical study w/ the work their doing w/ this stuff. I am one that believes Mother Nature put all plants on this earth for a reason. And I believe in the power of positive thinking and never giving up the fight. So here I am reading and researching on the site after a crappy day at work. More info please on who to discuss air flow rate w/.
Thanks so much for your post. Opened two new doors for me! blessings to you too and hope to speak w/ you soon.
diane