Posted by Leigh (24.92.84.173) on August 20, 1999 at 15:55:09:
I went and saw my neuro this morning. I have been seeing him for a long time so I really like him. I also trust him and we have a good relationship. I have a strong family history of migraine that starts with my Grandpa and stops so far with me. Included in the list are my mom and her 2 sisters and their children and my sister. My sister was diagnosed a year ago with migraine and clusters. I described my attacks the best I could and my doctor said like my sister I have both migraine and cluster headache. Last week I had a full MRI series including my head and neck and they were normal. I had a complete blood test work up and that was normal. So unfortunately I suffer from both. I can tell the difference in my migraines and what has happened now with the cluster. My migraines seize the entire right side of my head and all I want to do is lie very still. They last about 3 days and I usually throw up alot with them! The clusters are localized behind my right eye and it's like my eye is being pushed out of my head. My eye gets red and waters nonstop. My right nostril gets blocked. The pain radiates down towards my upper right teeth and to my ear and works it's way down to my neck and shoulder. I can't lie still. I pace and pace with it. After a few hours it lessons it's grip and comes back shortly thereafter. It comes in cycles. Today I am completely sore and exhausted. My neuro said I described to him cluster headache. His associate also examined me. He is a headache specialist and studies migraine and clusters so I was in good hands. I left with some information and some prescriptions. Elavil for nightime and pain pills. I have MVP so I can not use Imitrex or anything like that. He said oxygen can help relieve clusters. He said to call night or day when I need to. Again many thanks for all your understanding,concern and support. It's greatly appreciated!!!