Posted by John Bown (216.85.128.93) on October 09, 1999 at 02:07:05:
In Reply to: Ice Water Treatment during attack posted by Randy Vosler on October 08, 1999 at 18:00:24:
Makes sense to me. I use gel packs like Bob P mentioned. Buy them at the medical supply; trade name Jack Frost. I don't wrap them in a towel, though. I put it directly on my temple and jaw until frostbite seems to be coming on, then move it to the top of my head on the right side (where the headache is raging) for as long as I can stand it, then to the back of the head, back to the temple/jaw, etc. After I have turned one of them from nearly solid mush to liquid, I use a second one if necessary. Frequently get body chills. My perception (which is very suspect given the condition I am in at the time) is that this not only distracts the pain, but also helps abort the attack. I am breathing oxygen while doing this. If it is a 10, I may also be injecting ergot and sniffing Stadol, chanting obscenities interspersed with prayers, so who knows what it is that actually does it. I like the cold packs, though.