Posted by Laurence on February 27, 1999 at 14:49:54:
In Reply to: Questions for folks posted by Conrad Koerner on February 27, 1999 at 13:20:25:
Conrad,
This is 'stuff' lifted off the web in a forthcoming book about cluster headaches (see messages down below):
"Here is a partial list of conditions erroneously attributed to the cluster sufferer. They are presented in an approximate order of their misdiagnosis: The ailment is a mystery; migraine (most often ascribed to female sufferers); sinus complications; allergies; stress and physical tension; eye strain (or the need for a new eyeglass prescription); brain tumors (or the need for an MRI, CAT scan, and x-rays); psychological causes; vascular headaches; impacted teeth; a deviated septum"
And comments from sufferers:
"I was diagnosed as having severe sinus problems that could only be fixed by surgery. Not knowing anything about headaches at the time, I had the surgery, and the ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) made his money. I was back six months later with another episode of headaches. I thought he had screwed up the surgery. Then I read an article on cluster headaches, got another opinion, and started dealing with it.
My headaches were first diagnosed as "sinus," and when the medicine didn't work, the doctor said cluster.
I've suffered from cluster headaches for 16 years, only knowing what they were for the past six years. Before I was correctly diagnosed, I had been to allergists, chiropractors, and doctors who were sure I had sinus infections. I finally saw a neurologist and started getting some proper treatment.
My head pains were always diagnosed as sinus headaches. Finally, a doctor told me that I had clusters. It is hard to convince other doctors that what I have is not a sinus infection.
It was only this year, after five years of suffering, that I found out what was wrong. My doctor said I had sinus problems. I went to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for help with my "sinus." He wanted to operate. My wife began doing research and found that I have cluster headaches. My doctor ultimately agreed. From what I've read, "sinus" is a common misdiagnosis."
So as you can see Conrad, "sinus" and clusters don't appear to be connected or related as such. Although no doubt some of us suffering from clusters also, and probably only coincidentally, get sinus infections. I know I do.
Hope this information is of some use to you.
Bye for now