Hey JC. Welcome! And as we say, sorry you had to find your way here. As to first go advice, try the cluster traits and cluster quiz links to the left. A lot of stuff mimics clusters, so after the testing rules out other stuff, CHs may be the answer. If so, it isn't the end of the world. Good abortives (like energy drinks, imitrex, migranol, pred tapers, and of cours O2) can be wonderfully helpful. So too can a good preventative. Most of all, seek out a headache specialist. Read, and read, and read some more, taking notes as you go along and try and get your husband here, too. Keep us informed, and keep on believin'! lance

Welcome! I'm a supporter too, so I know your focus on helping your husband. Believe me that you can help, you are not helpless, and we are here for you as well as your husband.

Hugs to you, be strong and READ! Lots of good advice on imitrex, O2 (and how to get a set up without medical O2 if need be- that is the route we went!), Melatonin, and Red Bull on the board- and that is strictly the stuff I have first hand knowledge of! So many other treatment options are out there!

Sometimes we have to be the one to research or make our sufferers try treatment options- it's a natural reaction I guess to all of their energy being taken up with surviving the hits and cycle. Sometimes you have to be captain of the team your on is all!

Since you are just getting started with CH, get with a headache specialist, if at all possible. Most docs have very limited training/experience dealing with the complexities of what is a very complicated area of medicine.
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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. 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.