Clusterheadaches.com Message Board


    
      
        Clusterheadaches.com Message Board
        (http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi)
      

        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2003 >> First Step?
        
(Message started by: jpm on Oct 30^th, 2003, 12:07pm)

Title: First Step?
Post by jpm on Oct 30^th, 2003, 12:07pm

My boyfriend has been experiencing what we think might be cluster headaches…what is the first step he should take and are there any over the counter medications he should try until he can see a doctor? ???

Title: Re: First Step?
Post by thomas on Oct 30^th, 2003, 12:18pm

Lots of info on the left. Look at all the posts. He can try the water x3. Try melatonin. Hot steamy showers. Sticking his head in the freezer. Take the cluster quiz. Not much help with otc drugs - they don't work, except melatonin works for some - it takes a couple of days though - try a magnesium and calcium supplement also.

Title: Re: First Step?
Post by Prense on Oct 30^th, 2003, 6:56pm

There is no harm in trying OTC meds for HAs...just make sure that if it doesn't work, don't keep taking the stuff. He should be able to get seen by a GP/PCM fairly quickly I would imagine. Definately get a neuro appt in the books as well too. I was diagnosed with CH (the very first time I went to the doc about HAs) by a GP...a fairly young one. Unfortunately, his little book gave him very little info on how to treat it. :P

Normally, you can get a same day appt with a GP.

The GP will most likely be reluctant to order a CT and MRI..that's where the neuro will help out. Avoid the ER if possible.

A good indication for him for now would be to simply take the cluster quiz as Thomas suggested.

Best wishes!
Chris

Title: Re: First Step?
Post by armstrong on Nov 3^rd, 2003, 1:45pm

Also, even after he's had an MRI from the neuro and all that good stuff tell him to keep his head up...my CT scans and MRI are perfectly normal as is the case with most i believe. as far as otc's nothing i have found works...nothing. ive tried melatonin and a bunch of other stuff (including prescriptions) but nothing works. all i can say is keep trying anything and everything the doc prescribes and, in the meantime, try and keep on the positive side even when nothing works...

timmy

Title: Re: First Step?
Post by jpm on Nov 3^rd, 2003, 1:48pm

Thank you for all of the advice :)

jpm