Posted by drummer on April 28, 1999 at 18:25:50:
Scott wrote a post on 4/27/99 concerning an investigational medication for the treatment of cluster headaches. I called three of the 10 locations he mentioned. Houston Headache Clinic, New England Center for Headache and Elkind Headache Center. The first two places; I spoke to the contact person. The third location I was able to speak to Dr. Arthur H. Elkind.
This investigation is a study being done by a pharmaceutical company. The company name was not mentioned. The company is experimenting with a nose drop that contains capsaicin. To qualify for the study one must stop taking all medications. Some people in the study will receive a placebo. One must make three visits to the clinic with-in a one-month period. I am not willing to drop my current medications and become a part of this study.
However.
I have a little understanding of capsaicin. I have mentioned in several older posts that my neurologist asked me to try a product called Capzasin HP. This is an Arthritis pain relief cream. The active ingredient is capsaicin. Capsaicin is derived from peppers. That's right, peppers. I apply this cream inside of my left nostril (the side affected by clusters) with the use of a cotton swab. THIS STUFF REALLY BURNS. I have been using it for 3 months now. I apply the cream three times a day. This stuff has numbed the inner part of my nose.
My cluster attacks give me pain behind my left eye, down my lower left jaw and through my left nostril. For me it has not stopped the cluster attacks. It has, however, deadened some of the pain through my nose. If you have any questions E-mail me.