Posted by Jerry on November 03, 1998 at 15:26:27:
In Reply to: New sensation, not having a CH at the time. posted by Bonnie on November 03, 1998 at 14:46:25:
Hi Bonnie!
My scalp (skin) remains tender for quite a while on the spot where the most pain occurred, usely approximately where my temple and forehead meet and slightly upwards.
Something else which I have discovered: The cluster pain set (set=all the sensations or symptoms which go with a cluster), sinus blockage, runny nose, eye sensitivity, tearing eye, aura, etc. are over time becoming conditioned "reflexes", meaning that "the one starts triggering the others or at least some of them".
If , for instance, I get a blocked sinus feeling from something else (hayfever, etc.), the other symptoms are triggered, and eventually the cluster itself! (only sometimes...fortunately).
Remember that the same brain structure (hypothalamus)which has clearly been identified to be involved with clusters, also is the brain structure involved with our emotions. Think of that terrible feeling (emotion) you have when you realise a cluster is forming. Now if you have that feeling as a respons to something else (circumstantial)...it can trigger a cluster, as the cluster has been conditioned (neurologically linked by memory) to that feeling. In the same way, touching the sensitive scalp or skin area , activates the memory of having a cluster attack.
Lastly, I am not a neurologist by far, but what you recall your neurologist telling you years ago about when the scalp feels tender or sensitive, that it would imply there's nothing wrong with the brain inside...well, many neurologists will tell you that it is exactly the opposite! So check with him/her again.
Hope you are lots better!
Regards
Jerry