Posted by George O. Jacox on August 11, 1998 at 10:17:31:
In Reply to: Re: WITTNESS TOCLUSTER HEADACHES posted by Brian W on August 10, 1998 at 08:27:33:
Brian W. had some very fine suggestions for helping your brother work through a H/A--i.e., getting rid of bright lights (I can't stand ANY light myself), turning off TVs, radios, etc., and preparing a quiet place for him. You don't say how long he's been getting these, but it's often much more difficult for a new sufferer than an old hand--he may not know anything about working through one yet. We learn survival tactics over time. First, be aware that there's little you or he can do during the "building" phase of a h/a. Associated with the sweating, tearing, swelling veins, etc., there seems to be increased anxiety and fear.....a deer-in-the-headlights sense of impending doom and a powerful feeling that we're going to be future roadkill. Whether that's an emotional reaction to the pain one knows is coming, or another side effect of the h/a, I don't know. That's the most alarming phase for non-sufferers--they see us stumbling, pleading, crying, and feel a complete helplessness. All you can do is let him alone for a bit, speak soothingly, and encourage him to stop struggling. Sit--(don't lie down)--find a spot to focus on in the dimmed light, and concentrate......not on the center of the pain, but on its edges. It's very hard to do, but (at least for myself), I've found that it's MUCH better than stumbling around banging my head against things. The "tapering-off" phase of an attack is easier. Not instant relief, but a sort of stunned suspension while the h/a dims. An observer might find this alarming as well, because we often look blank, exhausted, and even cataleptic. But realize that he's concentrating deeply at this point, while the center of the pain turns to warmth, and the edges feather away and crumble. Soon he'll be himself again.
Unmedicated survival tactics, yes, but what he really needs to do is to see a neurologist. Hang in there. You're the best weapon of defense that he has.