Posted by Charlie (205.148.196.169) on October 17, 2000 at 03:46:55:
It's been awhile since I posted this but there are so many new posters who probably haven't read this. . . . In 1972, when I was diagnosed with this horror, my neurologist taught me a biofeedback technique that is very helpful. He said to treat it as a vascular problem. It sounds nuts but I was told to "think" of forcing blood-flow from behind my eye down my neck and into my arms and hands. When properly done, your hands will warm and you may experience a decrease in pressure in the eye. Almost always, I was able to shorten the duration of the attacks. Mine went from about 40 minutes to 15 or 20 most of the time. Sometimes, when awake, I could entirely abort the attack with this little trick. It isn't anything mystical or psychic. It involves our slight ability to alter our circulation. It does take intense concentration and can be exhausting but the payoff is well-worth the effort. It takes no special training, just a little effort and you have to work through the pain. Dr. Wright said to think of it as "filling your hand" with redirected blood-flow. Anything that retards circulation to the head is the idea behind this method. I found that as soon as you feel the throbbing, start warming those hands and keep at it just a few minutes longer than you feel necessary. It isn't necessary to sit completely still but it IS important to keep at it. It isn't perfect but it should shorten the attacks. For me, it's a great tool and it kept me from destroying my family and furniture. Give it a try and feel free to e-mail me about it. In any case, it's harmless, gives you something else to do, and the price is right. All the best and PFDAN- - - Charlie