Posted by DJ on May 18, 1999 at 21:58:41:
This is the kind of stuff that we need to ask on the survey to put an end to. It comes from the Mayo clinic's website and their description of cluster headaches. Some of the info seems ok, but it's typically "old fashioned".
"Cluster Headache — This is a rare but dreadful
anguish — one of the worst head pains
imaginable. Even though they are relatively
uncommon, they still may affect about 1 million
Americans.
Cluster headaches are characterized by intense
burning, boring pain frequently located in or around
one eye and temple and occasionally in one cheek
or jaw. Your affected eye may be bloodshot and
teary. The nostril on that side often becomes
blocked and may run profusely. Other features can
include reduced pupil size on the painful side, a
drooping eyelid and a flushed face.
The pain intensifies within 5 to 10 minutes to a
peak that typically persists for 30 minutes to 2
hours. Cluster headaches have an abrupt onset
and can occur at any time, but they most commonly
occur 2 to 3 hours after you fall asleep. Cluster
headaches can occur daily for days, weeks, or
months — often coming on at the same time each
day — before a remission that lasts weeks or
years (episodic attack), or they can occur for a
year or more without remission (chronic attack).
Cluster headache is a baffling disorder that occurs
in nearly clockwork fashion and seems to be linked
to seasonal changes in the amount of daylight.
Cluster headache affects men far more commonly
than women. Cluster headache sufferers are
typically heavy smokers.
Because cluster headaches are uncommon, they
may be misdiagnosed and not properly treated.
Some doctors may mistake a cluster headache for
severe migraine, a sinus infection or even a dental
problem because the pain can occur near your
teeth."