Some of the symptoms associated with cluster headaches pertains to what I am going through were some don't. So was wondering if anyone could maybe shed some light to help me. I have been suffering with imminse pain that is mainly stationary at the base of the skull to the upper part of the spine. It get so intense that I can't even lay down or touch that area. They come on sudden and have lasted up to 5 or 6 hours then quickly disapper, but my entire head and neck is sore for acouple days after. This just happened again on 6-24-2012 around 9pm and by 430am I was heading to the ER. My eyes were sensitive to light has some numbness in my left hand on pinky and index finger which was something new, nausa, imense pain. The time before which was over 2 years ago everything was exactly the same minus the numbness. THe hospital did a spinal tap and found out I had Meningitis  not sure if this was the under lying cause of it all, but since it came back again I don't think it was because another spinal tap was done and it was negative. These only seem to happen at night around bed time and maybe get 1 or 2 a year but the remission is more than a year at a time. I really don't have a headache when these occur that I know of since the pain is so bad. If anyone out here has experienced the same type of thing I would like some insight onto what this might be ( cluster headaches, tension headaches, or just migrains ).

Thank You

Sounds different than a Cluster.  Still sounds like hell though.  Longest Cluster headache (that I remember) lasted 3 hours for me.  Most last between 45 minutes and 1 1/2 hours.  Usually start a cycle with one every a week (or shorter) ramping up to as high as 4-5 a day for me.

Pain is right behind the eye - kinda sharp, but that doesn't quite get it.  Not really throbbing - but not 100% steady either.  Only one side of the face for me (right), blood shot eye on that side, drooping eye lid and one nostral running snot like a faucet on a bad one. 

Can't stand still - so pacing is the name of the game.  Probably the only good thing about it - get a bit of exercise.  Worst part is the anticipation - waiting for one to come calling.  Maybe a couple days of peace to get you optimistic - then back it comes.  Sweet when it goes away for months.  You convince yourself you are cured - you even forget how bad they really are.

Only good thing about a CH is when the switch goes off and the pain goes away.  Does give you a bit of a rush - and makes you appreciate what it is to not feel the pain.

Thinks you need to see a doc - hopefully what you have is treatable.  You don't want this thing - believe me.

I agree 100% with TMJBeav. Nothing to mess with. For the record, your symptoms are not classic for CHs but sure sound scary. Get to a doc ASAP. God bless. lance