Posted by drummer (209.105.134.204) on January 17, 2000 at 07:14:06:
In Reply to: Pain as mechanism for euphoria-seeking brain posted by Q on January 17, 2000 at 02:01:39:
This is definitely an intriguing discussion and personally I don’t believe that you need to ask permission to discuss anything that relates to Cluster Headaches on this message board. Let the discussion continue Bill !!!!!
I have searched high and low through the Internet for anything that has to do with Euphoria and Cluster Headaches. I came up empty. I then searched for Endorphins and Enkaphalins. Enkephalins and Endorphins are naturally occurring brain peptides with an opiate-like effect on pain transmission. According to what I have read; they can leave one feeling Euphoric.
Here is a direct copy/paste from a medical site on Enkaphalins and Endorphins. You’ll notice that mention is made of Neurotransmitters and Serotonergic fibers. All these things take place in the brain. Quite interesting indeed.
The only trouble I have is that I don’t know if Endorphins are being released or not during a Cluster attack. Personally, I don’t walk away from a Cluster attack feeling Euphoric. I feel relieved that the attack is over. I feel a great sense of accomplishment that I have endured chronic Cluster Headaches for 16 years, but I have never felt Euphoric after an acute attack. Tired and relieved; yes. Euphoric; no.
Let the discussion continue !!