I remember you.

I'm hoping some of the more knowledgeable members here will post information on oxygen.  It sounds as if you're not being treated with this (very effective) abortive.  It works for around seventy percent of us, and will end an acute attack within a few minutes.  The side-effects are minimal.

It's worth discussing the use of oxygen to treat CH with your doctor.  You need 15 or more liters per minute with a NON-rebreather mask in order for it to be effective.

Best wishes, and welcome.

George

I think your doctor needs to be changed.  The type of headache is CRITICALLY important to the type of treatment you get.   See if you can get a refferal to a headache specialist and get a proper diagnosis.

If it is CH, ask your parents to come here or give them a copy of the letter to friends and family (Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or )

If it is CH, make sure you don't leave your doctor (or specialist) without a script for O2.  It is the BEST 1st line of treatment.

Also, give energy drinks a try...... keep them cold and drink fast (thats how it works best for me).

Good luck in getting diagnosed properly and treating your headaches.  Anything else we can do, let us know.

Your doc may be trying to be cute--but not establishing a good diagnosis suggests, to me, that this doc is not for you!

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

5. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or Look for "Physician Finder" search box.  Call 1-800-643-5552; 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.