I have been searching the web trying to find out whats wrong with me. I am over 40 years old and although I do get headaches I have never had what ever this headache is I'm getting now.

It started two weeks ago. I just woke up at 1am with a pain behind my right eye and it pulsated to my tooth. It lasted until 3 am and then it was gone. When I normally get headaches they are at the back of my head around the neck. Never behind my eye so this is new to me.

The next day was football Sunday and I fixed myself a rum and coke. I drank maybe 1 inch from the glass and then out of no where I got the same behind the eye pain again. It lasted around 3 hours.

In the last 7 days at least 6 of the nights I am waking up at 1AM with this new headache. The regular meds I have don't help. I end up pacing or just sitting in a dark room with my head in my lab waiting it out. I am getting only 3-4 hours sleep now.

Last night is the first night I got hit twice. I was woken up at 1AM as usual. I actually got it under control in 60 minutes and then fell asleep only to wake up at 4am with another attack. This time it never really went away. I have a constant dull pain behind my eye and the back of my neck and its 11 am now.

Is this a cluster headache?

Hi Steve

From what you describe it maybe be that you're starting with CH. However it is impossible for anyone to give you an accurate diagnosis online. There are many different headache types and a few other causes that can give very similar symptoms, so you really need to work with a good neurologist, if possible a headache specialist, to get the appropriate diagnostic work done, like an MRI or CT scan.

Have you tried the CH quiz?

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I'd avoid alcohol for now. For most people who get CH it is a strong trigger.

Do start to keep a headache diary. In it record things like the date, time, headache duration, pain scale, what it felt like and any possible triggers or other observations. This will help with the diagnosis.

For when you see the doctor, I'd write down all the questions you'd like to ask to make sure you cover everything you want to discuss. It is far too easy to miss stuff if you don't.

I hope you don't have CH, but if you do you have found a treasure chest full of CH information that will make a huge difference.

Unfortunately, Cluster is not a simple disorder which can be treated by OTC products. There are a number of disorders which mimic Cluster but which are not headache disorders. Important to get a good diagnostic work-up before starting any treatment.

Most primary care docs lack much training in headache--this true of neurologists, too--so, if you have the option, find a specialist:

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. 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.

2.  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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

These are doctors other CH sufferers have recommended for the North Carolina area. Any near you? Bob's spot on, GP's and even most garden variety neuros do not have the knowledge base to accurately diagnose and treat complex headache disorders. If it is CH, and my early feeling is it may be, it's a lifetime ailment. The sooner you can get into a headche specialist neuro for a work-up, the better off you'll be. Wishing you speed in an accurate diagnosis.

Joe


Asheville:
Dr. Morris Maizels
Blue Ridge Headache Center

Chapel Hill:
Dr. Alan Finkel
Carolina Headache Institute

Clyde:
Dr. Howard W. Palay
Mountain Medical Associates

Durham:
Dr. Timothy Collins,
Duke Health Center at Morreene Road

Raleigh:
Dr. Rhonda W. Gabr
Raleigh Neurology
Dr. David A. Konanc
Raleigh Neurology

Thanks guys... 7 more hours until my next attack :(

How about you don't have ch and you're not gonna have another headache.

     Potter

Potter wrote on Dec 8^th, 2012 at 6:25pm:

How about you don't have ch and you're not gonna have another headache.      Potter

That thar is definitely a cup half full optimist! ;)

Joe

PS:

Untul you can get into a neuro, try slamming an energy drink at the first sign of an attack. Monster, red Bull, any containing the combo of caffienne and taurine. Chug it down as fast as you can. Many can abort or at least really reduce the intensity of an attack that way. Not a "cure" or even a guaranteed treatment but better then running empty against beasty for now.

Agree about slamming the caffiene. I hate doing it because then IM jittery and up all night but its way better then suffering in pain. I would chug twelve cups of coffee or I keep an emergency stash of 5 hour energy drinks in my purse just in case!