The track record for surgeries is meager, erratic, not worth even considering until the last desperate step when the medical approches have failed.

We have meds which are quite useful--see the survey data (left buttons).

When you hang around here for a few years, the one reality of CH will become clear: finding a good med for ME often takes multiple trials of this and that, of various doses; having found effective meds, they sometimes stop working for ME while, for others, they are effective permanently. All this says that the depth of medical knowledge about CH is still primitive and so patience is an essential skill to cultivate if you are not going to be defeated.

So, all you can do is keep up with the current developments by being a regular here.

If you have not kept up, see the next items and the PDF file, below.
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Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor.  It describes preventive, transitional, abortive
and surgical treatments for CH. Written by one of the better headache docs in the U.S.  (2002)
 
Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
============================================

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
ALL NEW!! HEADACHE 2008-2009
The new 72 page Headache 2008-2009 is hot off the press! Click here to download the PDF instantly! (free)

If you would like a bound copy, send $12 (includes shipping) to
Robbins Headache Clinic
60 Revere Dr, Suite 330
Northbrook, Ill.60062

OR call 847-480-9399 to use Visa or Mastercard.

There seems to be consensus here and amongst many headache and CH specialists that surgical intervention treatments for CH are still very much in their infancy and that they still have a very high failure or relapse rate.

Preventatives of choice for many here are Verapamil, Topamax and Lithium. Which one will work for you at which dosage is a discussion to be had with your doctor.

Alternative and non-chemical prevents / supplements include Kudzu and Melatonin. The latter is being used by many, particularly to manage night time hits. Additionally, treatments being discussed at clusterbusters.com have proven effective for quite a few.

Regrettably, as the others have mentioned, given the fact that CH continuously morphs over time, the prevent that works best for you now may not work as well for the next or subsequent cycles. Consequently, it will take some time to find the right formula or combination that will maximise effects for you.

I have personally found some lifestyle adjustments helpful during cycles. These include a histamine low/free diet, plenty of water and a very rigid sleep / wake time schedule.

Thanks for the info everyone and especially Bob for the extra pdf.You are all great.

and sorry for the extra trouble
but another two questions
Guiseppi
if i go for a try with lithium,the only one i haven't ever considered till now,how much effective have you found it to be without the 02?

and

Does anyone know any supplier for Kudzu in Canada?
I have some relatives there coming here for summer
and maybe they could get some bottles with them(if there is,they can do it right?or its not permitted with the airport and etc?)

thanks in advance
and pf wishes for everyone

Black,

Can you not buy Kudzu at a local health food store in Canada?  Kudzu is sold OTC at health food stores and even many grocery stores in the states. 

Sandy

at last!Found Kudzu here!and bought it!
so happy!where is that emoticon with the gold tooth?

wish me good luck!
750mg twice the day as it says right?