Posted by Bob Johnson (12.19.49.2) on February 11, 2000 at 12:12:35:
In Reply to: I need some advice posted by ADS on February 11, 2000 at 09:51:54:
Last fall the medical director of a large headache clinic in PA estimated that 40% or more of U.S. docs have weak skills/experience in treating headache or don't regard them as a seriously legit medical problem. This is due, laregely, to a failure in their medical education. But, clearly, you need to find someone who has both education, experience, and a set of attitudes which will make him/her your partner in coping with a complex disorder.
With the exception of the triptans, where the success rate is pretty high, the value of many other medications in treating cluster is quite mixed. What is frustrating for many is that they may find something which works for a time and them stops being effective, making for another round of trials to find something else. My point: any success requires much patience and a willingness to work with your doc to find one or a combination of meds which helps you.
I'd suggest you work through the excellent material at: www.headachedrugs.com. Self-education is really critical. You might also do a search, using "headache", on amazon.com and look for some basic information books.