Posted by David Chalfant (208.30.14.90) on June 26, 1999 at 03:54:24:
In Reply to: the demon is back - fill me in posted by pete on June 26, 1999 at 02:15:12:
Hang in there,Pete. I get a lot of info of the message board. Cluster Headaches are rare so you are blessed to have found this site. It will help to know that you are NOT ALONE. I went undiagnosed for 15 years due to uninformed Physicians and the rarity of CHs. Some docs treated me with migrain meds that did not work; some thought it was sinus related. A Dentist said I grind my teeth at night and reccomended some type of oral device for prevention. Finally, I found a book called 'Headache Relief ' by Allan M. Rapoport,M.D. and Fred D. Sheftell,M.D. My doctor referred me to a Neuroligist because he felt He did all he could do. I had to convince him by showing him the book that obtained. My Neuroligist had me accurately diagnosed in 15 min. I was perscribed Verapamil ( Calan ) a blood pressure medicine known as a Calcium Channel Blocker and eventually perscribed medical oxygen and elavil. CC blockers worked for the long term treatment. the oxygen for quick relief and elavil-an antidepressant-to raise seretonin levels which seem to be part of the problem. Other docs use SSRI's like prozac, paxil and zoloft. Treatment is very individualized. What works for one may not work for another sufferer. Finding a reputable Neurologist was the key in my own experience. In situations in which I do not have oxygen, and I know this sounds like I am a quack, breathing cold air from my freezer may bring you some relief. I do this from some info I copped off of the message board ( I think ) and it worked but it took about 15-20 min. before the pain subsided
Welcome to the site. I hope you find some answers. I am new, also and after some members pointed me in the right direction, this site was a Godsend.
Sincerely, David