I do not want another one tonight. Horrible one last night ( i called the pain a 13 on the 1-10 scale) imitrex took over an hour to work at all, and when it did- it wasnt much. All day today my head has throbbed..and ached on the right side..but at least the "attack" is gone. I am worried because my whole right side of my face (ear, back of head, and part of neck) is numb feeling and also my right hand. How long does this last?! I do not remember this happening before. the imitrex gives me really weird side effects and I have 9 pills total to take this month and I am down to five. the first three headaches of this episode I did not use anything except ibuprofen.  If any one can relate, give advice, or have anything to say about numbness lasting on one side (esp in the hand) as well as a horrible throbbing feeling in my head (not a cluster headache) but reminiscent of one ALL DAY> this has happened before after the really bad ones. I am really afraid to go to sleep because I do not want it to happen again. The imitrex pills take so long to work...any advice will be appreciated. Thank you! :)

Being numb anywhere is not a normal CH symptom. You should think about the Emergency Room. The signs you describe require immediate attention, your life may depend on it.

Other symptoms you describe sound like CH, but numbness is not one of them. CH is so rare, most Doctors know little about it so you must learn all you can yourself. Migraine sufferers experience numbness but it's rare for CH.

If you don't go to the ER tell your Doctor as soon as possible what you are experiencing. CH is horrible but it won't kill us, other things that mimic CH can.

Imitrex pills are not very helpful for CH. You need to look at Imitrex injections or inhalers and Oxygen with proper equipment. And preventatives like Prednisone, verapamil, lithium, these are some of the top medicines.

For tonight to get 'some' sleep, take the Imitrex pill and plan to sleep for 3 maybe 4 hours. I only wish I could offer more, CH is a tuff thing to fight.

Don

Skyhawk's fair dinkum, CatJane. You need to get this numbness checked out, and fast.

Perhaps it's nothing but we kinda like having you around.

1. IF you are not working with a headache specialist--please consider finding one. Many docs simply lack the skill/training/sophistication to work with complex headache disorders.
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LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.


2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE; On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

6. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.
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2. Imitrex pills are the least useful for Cluster; much too slow acting. Especially for you high level pain, the injection form is a must. AND you must use any abortive at the earlierst sign of an attack: don't wait until it developes.

3. NO OTC pain meds. Use more than 3-4x/wk can induce rebound headaches, making the situation worse.

4. Are you using preventive meds? They are mandatory.
See PDF file, below.

5. Ask your druggist if he can get ergotamine SL 2mg. One about a hour before bed often blocks a night time attack. (I don't know whther they are still on the market or not.)

But a sharp doc is critical!

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Thank you for your replies/input/concern! I did end up at the ER (I wanted to make sure I wasn't having a stroke/mini-stroke and it was the weekend), apparently I had a bad reaction to Imitrex (still not so sure about this....) but my heart rate dropped really low (44 is low for me) and so did my b/p. The numbness in my face is gone and my arm but still remains in my RIGHT THUMB (same side as my cluster headaches) . HAS ANYBODY else had numbness in their thumb during the cluster period?  I did see the neoroligist after this, he said do not take imitrex...so he perscribed me Varapimill and oxygen (I am getting both today) I woke up with a "slight" cluster pain maybe 1-2 which is strange...since I didn't have a headache last night. but at least I can tolerate this pain is no BIG deal compared to the real "attacK".  The Dr said the numbness could be related to the headaches...but he didnt have much to say about it other than that....it is still strange though...if anybody has any input about numbness in the THUMB during clusters and after any input would be appreciated! :)Thank you for your concern and input everybody!

As others have already mentioned, numbness is definitely not a part of typical cluster symptoms. It could be a reaction to the medication, or it could be a completely unrelated issue.

It would be a good idea to get that checked out ASAP, and perhaps try switching over to other abortive meds if the tryptans are causing the numbness.

Imitrex may can cause numbness in the hands and feet so they are probably right about not taking it anymore.  It's good that you got it checked out just in case.

So glad you got checked out. There are other good abortives. Oxygen with proper equipment is on the top of the list. Drugs like Zomig, another triptan, or Ergotamine drugs are worth trying.

Some good preventative meds are Verapamil, Lithium, Topamax and combinations of these.

A minimum of 60mg Prednisone "taper" can give 5-7 days relief while the preventative takes effect.

Being afraid to go to sleep is somewhere I've been many times. It's one of the worst effects of CH and made me decide to learn everything I can about it and know how to fight the battle myself. I assure you you are at the best website to do that.

Don

Skyhawk5 wrote on Aug 21^st, 2012 at 12:22am:

Being afraid to go to sleep is somewhere I've been many times. It's one of the worst effects of CH and made me decide to learn everything I can about it and know how to fight the battle myself. I assure you you are at the best website to do that.Don

Don is so right! While the years have taught me to expect pain at 2AM, 3AM and more I have come to grips with it. I no longer say, I'm looking forward to a good 8 hours. I say, boy I sure could use a good 3 hours before I'm up again. I am still afraid to go any distance from home, or any place I may have to give up my car, or have a long walk after parking. The trex autoinjector has helped that a bit, though. We do understand, and we do empathize. Now get very aggressive with this thing and beat it back! blessings. lance