i have had tmj for 4 years now. It is a special case, i've had almost all of the symptoms of tmj and all of them 24/7 each and every day. my worst symptom though is my headache, a sometimes very painful sometimes crazzzzy headache that pretty much makes it completely impossible to concentrate or function correctly. The headache isn't really a headache it is more like a crazy burning sensation in both temples cheeks neck and a bit of my shoulders, also my face becomes really red. Also i have a constent swelling in both sides of my face and hot and cold water takes some of the pain away. I was wondering if these are cluster headaches, i must say that i have really severe tmj and my neck was in really bad condition. Anyone knows?

There is a complex of nerves which serve our head which can confuse cluster with eye pain, tooth/jaw pain, pain in the temples.

You would benefit from a headache specialist who can sort through these multiple possibilities.

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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.

I'm not a doctor and cannot diagnose your problem but I have to say no, you do not have cluster headaches. The symtoms you describe are all wrong. Please keep up you search for relief. Hope you find it real soon.

I'm with both Bobs' Your symptoms are not in line with CH. If you're not already dealing with a specialist, it's certainly worth the time. Wishing you speed on an accurate diagnosis and some pain free time no matter what it turns out to be. pain sucks. :'(

Joe

My vote is no.  By definition, clusters can't hit both side of the head at the same time.

Cluster headaces almost always dont hit both sides but because i have tmj on both sides it is possible. if its not cluster headaches then was is the crazy headace/burning sensation i feel in my temples and face(the pain can be in these areas and not behind the eyes but usually isnt). Also i tend to sweat a lot during the headaches. If it still isn't cluster headaches then what headache is it?

Sadly there are hundreds of headache types, and even some poor souls who suffer from multiple headache types. All the more reason to try and get yourself into a headache specialist neurologist.

Joe

Well it's for a neurologist to decide, not us imo. But as the rest say it doesn't sound entirely familiar.

However keep in mind that just because you have a list of symptoms that do not match a diagnosis that does not immediately cancel the possibility as some of them might stem from another co-existing condition.

But it is very very dangerous to say either way without having the medical training - and having met you. Get yourself to a doctor asap. And not just any such doctor but a specialist.

I got many of the same symptoms you describe before I was diagnosed with TMJ (completely unrelated to my CH). You should seek out a dentist that specializes in treatment of TMJ.

Sometimes they make a mouth guard for you to wear at night. Sometimes even a low dose of an anti-anxiety drug will relax you just enough while you sleep to give the temporal-mandibular joint time to rejuvenate and heal during sleep.