Posted by TP (152.163.195.186) on July 29, 1999 at 05:11:57:
I have "diagnosed" myself as having episodic cluster headaches. I seem to be a classic case, with a few minor exceptions (mainly, I get them in the morning, and I can drink alcohol).
A lot of you have said it is wise to get an MRI to rule out anything else. Has anybody ever heard of "anything else" with the same symptoms of a CH?
After years of thinking I had a brain defect or tumor or something, thinking I could drop dead at any minute, I was relieved to finally find out about clusters. After all of these years, it is nice to know that there is a name for what I seem to have. I have been getting these things for as long as I can remember (I'm 24), usually in July and in autumn.
Nonetheless, I am considering going to a neurologist. What I was wondering is if any of you can tell me what is involved in the processes known as MRI's and CATscans? How much does it cost? I do not have insurance, and will have to borrow the money from relatives. I am not interested in getting drugs, yet, as my worst headaches are probably 7's on Kip's scale.
Anyway, any tips and information would be helpful! Thanks!
I have not even been to a doctor's office since I was four, and I have developed a skepticism of them, especially since coming across this site and reading your various horror stories of mis-diagnosis, malpractice, as well as the condescending attitudes from doctors.