Posted by Todd (204.90.27.46) on November 13, 1999 at 21:07:48:
In Reply to: alcohol related clusters? posted by Jon Smith on November 13, 1999 at 19:41:34:
Sorry to hear about your headaches. Alcohol is certainly a trigger for clusters, but it doesn't sound as if the remainder of your symptoms fit clusters.
Clusters are centered/begin deep within the temple area. The name 'clusters' is used because (most) sufferers experience these in groups or clusters, i.e., we're painfree for long periods of time, followed by periods where we are hit with headattacks on a regular basis. Abstaining from alcohol does NOT prevent the attacks, although consumption is a definite trigger to cause one.
There are many other specific symptoms of clusters, and you'll find a great deal of great information about them here. Try taking the 'Cluster Quiz' and reading the 'Cluster Traits', both found in the buttons to the left of this board.
An old friend of mine once experienced something similar to what you describe. A regular 'social drinker', he had alcohol-induced headaches on drinking for about a year. Then, one night, two drinks caused him to collapse in convulsions. After being taken to the ER and subsequently being evaluated by neurologists, etc, he was diagnosed with 'acute alcohol toxification'. Basically, his body became allergic to alcohol.
Good luck to you in your search for answers.
KTSSU,
T