Posted by Jackie M. on January 23, 1999 at 00:57:36:
In Reply to: Is this a cluster headache? posted by Chere J. on January 22, 1999 at 16:43:19:
Dear Chere,
First of all I'd like to wish you continued success with your present therapy.
I had also been diagnosed several years ago as having a combinition of Migraine/Cluster, though the only Migraine charecteristic was with respect to duration. Several years and doctors later, I've come to know that I suffer from Clusters, not Migraine, and that they are clusters of a sub-chronic type. I think that it's important to understand that while most cluster sufferers know the intensity of the pain, we are all individuals and none of us suffers exactly the same. The doctors and medical journals offer profiles and diagnostic tests into which diseases and maladies should fit neatly. I don't think that you can do that with clusters. If I had to offer a diagnostic test for clusters, it would consist of these questions;
1. Upon onset, did you feel as though death were imminent?
2. Has the pain interfered with quality of life?
3. Would you gladly rip out your eye to rid yourself of the pain?
4. Are you unable to describe the pain by comparing it to any other known to man?
5. When others compare it to a garden variety "headache," do you feel compelled to pummel them?
If the answer to these questions is yes, I'd start treating the patient for clusters!!
If you'd like to email me personally, Chere, please feel free to do so.
All my best to you,
Jackie M.