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        New Message Board Archives >> 2004 Cluster Headache Specific Posts >> Cluster Headaches after all?
        
(Message started by: JoshuaOgle on Feb 29^th, 2004, 6:52pm)

Title: Cluster Headaches after all?
Post by JoshuaOgle on Feb 29^th, 2004, 6:52pm

I have been told that cluster headaches run in my family, and after doing some research I had assumed that what I had been feeling are CH attacks. There have been some very interesting discoveries by people on boards just like this, connecting cause and effect, and after doing some more reading, I'm not so sure that I have CH at all.
I often describe my symptoms as feeling like someone suddenly hits me on the side of the head with a board with a nail attached to it. Just as soon as it hits, I have no residual pain, but am in constant fear of the next attack, which can happen seconds or up to 5 minutes or so apart. These typically last for 30 minutes to an hour, with no apparant "cycles" or clustered effect. I have gone months with no attacks, and then a minor one, and then many more months in between.
I know that not everyone is going to have all of the symptoms, but I wonder if mine might be something related that might be treatable.
I have gone to the doctor, and he prescribed me migraine medication, which of course doesn't kick in until after the attack has dissolved. Is the only method of diagnosis to single out everything else one by one?
Any information on whether I do have CH or not would be greatly appreciated.
/joshua ogle.

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches after all?
Post by BobG on Feb 29^th, 2004, 7:24pm

Hello Joshua. Welcome. Sorry to hear you're hurting.

I’m not doctor so don’t take this as truth but it sounds like it could be CPH aka Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania. The drug Indomethacin is probably the best for CPH. Consult with your doctor about CHP.
And, on the left side of your screen is a button ‘OUCH website’. Click it and select Cluster Help and then Headache Comparison Table.

Or just click on this link
http://www.clusterheadaches.org/comparison_table.htm

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches after all?
Post by thebbz on Feb 29^th, 2004, 11:13pm

Need to see a Neurologist. CH is unique. Read all the info on the left. Pray you don't have CH. If you do hang on. Lots of good people here. Let us know. thebbz

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches after all?
Post by JoshuaOgle on Feb 29^th, 2004, 11:35pm

Thank you very much for the link, I hadn't been to that website yet.
I will have to do some more research into CPH, but about the listing of the frequency of attacks, does this mean each individual jabbing feeling? If so, this may sound more like it, but my headaches are much more spaced out. I have currently gone 2 years without a significant cluster of attacks, but still have occassional ones perhaps every two or three months.
CPH might explain the slightly less unilateral nature of my headaches, and the absense of nasal congestion and drooping eye.
I'll look into it. This still doesn't seem to fit completely though.
Any more suggestions?

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches after all?
Post by TxBasslady on Mar 1^st, 2004, 2:13am

Welcome to the board, Joshua

Did you check out all the links on the left of the page? Did you take the cluster quiz?

Read EVERYTHING you can on this site. You might also read up on the posts. Lots of great info here.

Keep in touch......

PF vibes,

Jean

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches after all?
Post by renny on Mar 1^st, 2004, 2:56am

:)hi...and welcome, sort of..I am newbie here myself and understand apprehension...I have learned to listen to these knowledgeable folk, you will get the good, the bad and the ugly...before you can sort it all out. Allmost all of the info you will get will be positive and pleasant and OMG helpful...I would also like to add that I pray your headaches are not CLUSTERS...we all hope that....but if they are this board will change your life...wishing you only the best Karen

Title: Re: Cluster Headaches after all?
Post by ave on Mar 1^st, 2004, 4:48am

Hi,

you really need a knowledgeable neuro, or ordinary doc, as soon as possible.

Try this link on the OUCH site

http://www.clusterheadaches.org/doctors.htm

to maybe find one in your neighboourhood.

And I agree with BobG; this sounds a lot like CPH.
You need a good doc.