Posted by Jason Sykes (63.24.200.149) on April 17, 2001 at 23:36:34:
In Reply to: The pain of migraine V cluster migraine posted by Jayne on July 30, 1999 at 08:59:55:
I've suffered from cluster headaches since my
first year in high school--now 9 years ago. I've
gone through several approaches to stopping
or preventing the headaches, but until recently
did not have an answer.
I am in a cycle now which has lasted 2 weeks. My
most recent cycle was last spring, lasted about
4 months, and involved well over 300 headaches
(sometimes as many as 5 daily).
Finding a common "trigger" has been difficult.
Ultimately, however, I believe the key to be as
simple as tension brought on by stress. My
headaches start in my right shoulder, increasing
their way to my right temple and eye socket--
localizing behind my right eye. Knots form in my
shoulder, neck behind the skull, and right temple.
Often the headaches occur upon waking, driving,
or even sitting in class. The pain is the most
intense I experience. Often I end up face-down
in a pillow screaming and crying in agony.
It's hard to say that any type of stress in
particular is key; I believe a buildup of even
smaller events to be the cause--even dreams.
Imitrex helps, but is extremely expensive for
those without insurance.
Acknowledging tension as the cause took awhile
to admit, but has drastically changed my
relationship with the headaches. Staying
relaxed 100% of the time is a joke. Mild muscle
relaxants (Flexeril) help, but cannot prevent
the overwhelming attack of a cluster HA. My
wife has starting intensely massaging my neck
on the side of the attack (right) and has been
able to quell a lot of the muscle tension I
feel in these areas. During a headache, she
uses her elbow to apply her full weight on key
spots along the top of my shoulder blade. I
have found this to be faster in relief than even
orally-administered Imitrex, which I use only when
away from home.
I cannot say your cluster headaches are caused the
same way. I'm sure many are different. I can,
however, say that controlling the stress in my
life and the way I react to even mildly tense
situations has really made a difference. It all
makes sense to me, even when I hear of others'
experiences (e.g., an chronic cluster HA
accountant who takes as many as 10 triptan
injections daily).
It's very easy to say, "Aw, I'm not stressed--
I'm the coolest person I know!" Please be willing
to consider the possibility that your clusters
are due to tension--it could change your life.
jason