Posted by HMF on June 02, 1999 at 23:19:07:
I believe that I may suffer from cluster headaches but I am not certain because my symptoms are not fully consistent with the differential. I am seeking input/guidance/advice re what my diagnosis might be. I am a 42 year old woman. Symptoms - 10-15 days a month (at least) in the mid to late afternoon I have intense flushing of my ears (intermittent and shifts - one ear, two of them, back and forth) and flushing of my nose (bright red even showing up through heavy makeup) followed by an intense feeling of sinus pressure and a headache in the center of my face into my forehead and around my eyes. I often have difficulty focusing my vision. The headache dissapates in a few hours (usually 2-3) and the flushing goes away as well. My ears and nose are often very hot to the touch as well. I am often not aware of the flushing until I happen to look in the mirror and notice the bright red ears and/or nose. The headache follows shortly.
Thyroid function and hormone levels are normal as was my creatine level (24 hour urine). All other blood work is normal.
Any ideas re what this could be?