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Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Cluster Headache Specific >> Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1324991506 Message started by Magnus D on Dec 27th, 2011 at 8:11am |
Title: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Magnus D on Dec 27th, 2011 at 8:11am
I have relapsing headaches that give me a pain that feels like its almost behind my left eye or near it that is accompanied by tearing and redness in the eye. However two days I had 1 headache. Yesterday two headaches and only one today. I haven't been woken up at night and the headaches haven't occurred on a regular interval. However the seem to be getting gradually less frequent and less painful.
Also I don't believe the intensity is as bad as stated in certain cases I've read about. I have never been woken up by one. I am 16 year old male. I play sports regularly, drink and smoke Cannabis occasionally on the weekends. Thoughts? Help? |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by vietvet2tours on Dec 27th, 2011 at 8:39am
Quit drinkin and smokin dope.
Potter |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Magnus D on Dec 27th, 2011 at 8:42am
That was helpful. Thank you.
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Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by vietvet2tours on Dec 27th, 2011 at 8:50am Magnus D wrote on Dec 27th, 2011 at 8:42am:
We're not Doctors and we don't diagnose. Potter. |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Guiseppi on Dec 27th, 2011 at 9:04am
Welcome to the board Magnus. My CH started as you are describing. I'm 51 now, been an episodic sufferer of CH since I was about 15-16. It's only looking back now that I realize when the initial CH symptoms started presenting themselves. It's not at all unusual for it to take several years before it actually establishes itself into any kind of recognizeable pattern.
That being said, have you been treated by a doctor at all for these? ANY kind of sudden onset head pain is a red flag that should be investigated by your GP, with the potential for a referral to a neuro if they get stumped. Some suggestions for now: Start a headache diary. When the attack starts, how fast the pain builds, how high the pain builds, how long the pain stays at peak, how fast the pain goes away. Describe the location and the type of pain, stabbing, boring, throbbing, a combo etc. Any secondary symptoms that occur during the attack. What meds have and have not been effective for the pain. What triggers have you identified, strrss, lack of stress, environmental, food, etc. You'll be suprised how fast patterns develop. There are literally hundreds of headache types, many which mimic CH, the eventual diagnosis will be in the details, so the more info you can give the doc, the better a chance at an accurate diagnosis. Do NOT use weed to treat your attacks! If it is CH, weed is a vasodilator, everything we use to abort CH attacks is a vasoconstrictor. Smoking weed during a hit is really asking for a barn burner attack. Episodic sufferers say they can smoke it off cycle with no negative effects. (That being said, as a father, I too have to tell you to stop that and go do your homework! ;)) Good on you for takin the initiative to research your issues. That being said, the internet is not a substitute for qualified medical care, definitely wanna check with your doc on this. Wishing you peace and some pain free time soon. Joe |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Magnus D on Dec 27th, 2011 at 3:54pm
Ok, on my third day now I haven't experienced any head ache. I went and saw the doctor today. First I was sent to a an eye doctor that said there was nothing wrong with my eyes. I have an appointment with the neurologist tomorrow. I really hope I don't have this. Thank you everyone for all the support. I starting to believe I don't have this and maybe Im just freaking myself out.
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Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Mike NZ on Dec 27th, 2011 at 4:26pm
I really hope you don't have CH but you are doing the right thing by seeing doctors to work out what is happening.
Best wishes for a rapid diagnosis. |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Guiseppi on Dec 27th, 2011 at 5:22pm
Crossing our collective fingers it's something simple and transitory. If it is CH, it's certainly not the end of the world! ;) You'll have a new second home here with lot's of people that get it. Good luck with the neuro.
joe |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by LasVegas on Dec 27th, 2011 at 5:27pm
Have you taken the "Cluster Quiz" to at least determine if you have CH symptoms? Your quiz results will be helpful for the neuro visit.
Cluster Quiz can be found by clicking on yellow tab, left side of your computer screen. Good Luck! |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Magnus D on Dec 28th, 2011 at 12:19pm
Ok the Neurologist said today that he believes that It might be a mild Cluster Headaches. However, Its been two days since Ive had a headache. I think tomorrow Im going in for an MRI. Anyones thoughts on sports practice while I am having these issues?
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Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Bob Johnson on Dec 28th, 2011 at 12:49pm
Keep living as normal a life as you can. There is an unresolved question about the role, if any, in head trauma as a source or trigger for Cluster development. But not to be concerned at this stage.
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Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Guiseppi on Dec 28th, 2011 at 1:09pm
Great that they've scheduled an MRI. That will rule out anything more sinister and let them concentrate on the headache aspect.
Want to stress again that you keep some type of headache diary, as patterns will begin to emerge that will assist your doc in the short and in the long term. And I definitely agree with Bob, stick to your normal patterns, enjoy life! :) Joe |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by LasVegas on Dec 28th, 2011 at 1:31pm Bob Johnson wrote on Dec 28th, 2011 at 12:49pm:
For many of us, there has been confirmation that head trauma was the source of CH's. Practicing sports, school, work, daily activities, etc should all be fine to continue as normal; unless you are getting attacked so frequently that you become disabled. Your knowledge will be your best friend as you will most likely need to be a self advocate for effective treatment. Logging a headache diary as Joe suggested will be very helpful to you. What were the results from the cluster quiz? What did your neurologist prescribe as a transitional, preventive and/or abortive treatment plan? Good of you to get an MRI to rule out other possible disorders. Be tough! ;) -Gregg in Las Vegas |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Magnus D on Dec 28th, 2011 at 1:34pm
The Neuro didnt prescribe any medicines he said that he wants to see the MRI before making any drastic decisions. As far as the test goes I don't know how to score it but I took it.
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Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by LasVegas on Dec 28th, 2011 at 1:39pm
Highly suggested you read up on transitional, preventive and abortive treatments; so you are familiar and educated enough to speak effectively with your neuro so you both can decide what is best for you.
Did your quiz results lean a majority toward CH's or another disorder? |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Magnus D on Dec 28th, 2011 at 1:46pm
The test on this website leans more towards a different disorder. I haven't had a headache in two days. I started the headache diary with what I remember from the other cases.
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Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by LasVegas on Dec 28th, 2011 at 2:13pm
That is Excellent if you don't have CH's as it is a living nightmare with no cure and more neuros that are ignorant than educated on the disease.
Now just need to confirm from MRI and neuro what your issue truly is and attempt to conquer it. Personally, I don't believe there is such a thing as a "mild" case of CH's. Good Luck! |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Linda_Howell on Dec 28th, 2011 at 8:42pm
I hate to see that a 16 yr. old MIGHT have ths condition. I just hate it. If your MRI shows nothing sinister, then it's a matter of telling your Dr. what your symptoms are. There are no tests (blood, urinalysis, x-ray, etc) to tell a Dr. if these are indeed cluster headaches.
He...if he is a good knowledable Dr. will ask you questions like "do you have to lie down" Do you have an aura? Can you NOT sit still? Do you feel the need to pace, rock and walk around? Does your nose run on the affected side? Eye watering? THAT is basically the criteria of diagnosing CH. Going a couple of days without a headache doesn't mean anything. If he diagnoses CH then he will most likely prescribe a preventative like Lithium or Verapamil. As well as an abortive such as Imitrex or pure oxygen. Oxygen is the best as it has no side affects and it is a life-saver. I can abort a headache in less than 10 mins. if I get on it as soon as I feel the first twinge. You will need a Dr.s precription for it as well as a regulator that goes to sat least 25 lpm and a non-renreather mask. Being 16 you are probably thinking..no way. I'm not an old man. If you could see how well 02 works, you'll be thankful. You can keep it in your closet like I do and no one has to know it's there. I know you're only 16 but just like when you're studying for finals...when you have knowledge, you have power. Going to a unknowledable Doctor after reading around here for a while you will be better prepared and get better treatment. I wish you luck. Please fdon't hesitate to keep asking questions, o.k.? Between all of us here we have thousdands of yrs. experience with these damn headaches. One more thing I might mention...Pot has a tendancy to bring on an attack. In 12 yrs. I've only heard of one or two who said it helped. All the others said it was a major trigger. Alcohol is another major trigger. No judgement here. Just telling you what years of experience has taught all of us. Stay away from both until you are no longer in cycle. One other thing you can do is get those energy drinks and chug them at the first sign of a HA. Make sure the label says it has 1000mg. of Taurine. I use rock star. Stick around and keep askiung questions o.k.? Linda |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Magnus D on Dec 29th, 2011 at 5:48pm
Another day without a headache.
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Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Guiseppi on Dec 30th, 2011 at 8:50am Magnus D wrote on Dec 29th, 2011 at 5:48pm:
We like those! ;) Joe |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by PlayDoh on Dec 30th, 2011 at 1:41pm
I'm 36 and have had CH's for 12 years.
At first I would only get CH's when I would relax and or have a quick nap at lunch time, at work. Never at night, for years. I never really got them daily, and very rarely more then one a day. Alcohol was my sign that something was different, as it usually, yet not always would trigger a headache. I was more likely to get a HA during the day, then the evening. Unfortunately I never had this site and the great advice that comes with it, and I never did a diary. My Dr at the time just told me not to drink, since I stressed that alcohol was a factor. I would suggest that if your pain seems to be concentrated on one side, and that side has real symptoms like watering eye, runny nose, dropping eyelid, then its 'likely' you have CH. Do you notice if alcohol triggers? Yet I suppose your likely at the very beginning of the condition, if in fact you do have CH's. Its awesome that your getting the proper medical attention, and that you have this site and great advice from caring and understanding people. For the most part. ;) Myself I wouldn't suggest you get too focused on treatments until your certain you know whats going on. As awful as CH's are there are much, much worse conditions in your scope of possibilities. I pray its nothing too serious. I have a good friend with a 4 year old boy who just got diagnosed with NF2 (Neurofibromatosis Type II), and I remind myself that I'm very lucky I have CH and not NF2. It helps keep me positive and not feel sorry for myself, which isn't that hard when your feeling pain daily. Make sure you write down details every time you get a HA, aka Diary. It will be your greatest tool to help yourself, and understand whats going on. |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by Chad on Dec 30th, 2011 at 2:25pm
PlayDoh, love your response. It's all so true. Knowledge is key here and without this site or Clusterbusters, there would be very little knowledge.
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Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by shaggyparasol on Dec 30th, 2011 at 7:51pm
Hey there Magnus D! Yep, it takes a while to figure out the head pain sometimes. Only took me 22 years to figure mine out. >:(
Clusters are bad but most people can lead normal lives once they figure out how to control/minimize the attacks. We all take certain precautions and have little tricks we use. I am sure that every sort of occupation and lifestyle are represented on this website by CH sufferers. Cluster lives can be just as successful and joyous as anyone's. I hope you can sort yours out and find a good doc who can help. Try not to waste time with Dr.'s who are unfamiliar with headaches as there are a million stories on this website about that experience. If it seems to be cluster headaches, check out the sister website clusterbusters.com. There are other medicine options for cluster headaches than pills from the pharmacy. Good luck!! :D The Shaggy :) |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by LasVegas on Dec 30th, 2011 at 7:58pm shaggyparasol wrote on Dec 30th, 2011 at 7:51pm:
We don't have any Billionaire Philanthropists, so if you know of one... ;) |
Title: Re: Im not sure if I have Cluster Headaches? Post by shaggyparasol on Dec 31st, 2011 at 12:11am
I bet there is one somewhere :P
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