I assume the med you mentioned, "preg..." is actually prednisone. That and Maxalt are standards for cluster.
The prednisone is taken for several days, with decreasing dose each day. With Cluster, it will abort the attacks within a day or two. BUT, it's also necessary to start using a longer acting preventive med at the same time (so that it can build up in your body), such as Verapamil.
Maxalt is not the first choice for Cluster but it works for some folks. Most folks prefer Imitrex injection or the nasal spray form for very rapid action to abort an attack, the speed needed because of the rapid onset of cluster.
IF your doc comes around to refer you, we would strongly suggest locating a headache spcialist rather than a general neurologist. Most generalists just don't have the depth of training/experience which we need. While you are waiting out your present doc, look around:
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. 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. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!! You need to
or
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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Also read the PDF file below and print a copy for your present doc. His neck is a bit too stiff right now (and likely won't change) but it's the only thing you can do short of changing docs.
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Husband's First Cycle Just Started -Please Help (Read 1471 times)
