Hello everyone.

About three months ago I went out to have a beer with a few friends.  Half a bottle in, I developed this pain behind my right eye that I could only describe as someone taking a railroad spike and driving it through my eye.  To this day I still can't take a drink of alcohol or it'll floor me in pain after only a few minutes.

Since that time, I've been getting headaches about every three hours that last about 30 minutes to an hour, and I've been taking pain pills, thinking that they've helped the pain.

A few weeks ago I went to see my primary care physician, who stated that my liver's probably stopped producing the enzyme that processes alcohol.  I would have accepted it, except for the predictable nature of these headaches, but I didn't pursue it.  I think it's time to schedule another appointment.

Find a qualified Neuro in your area. A common problem with GP's is that they don't have the training or experience to ID the type of headache someone has.

Bill

Many others conditions which can produce severe headache must be eliminated before you can obtain an accurate diagnosis. Really need a specialist.
==============

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE  On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box.  Call 1-800-643-5552; they will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

Ditto to Bob & Racer1's comments.  You really need a proper diagnosis in order to properly treat your headaches . . . and that can be difficult.

Having said that, I'm a head-trauma CHer  My attacks started after I nailed my noggin (1/01) . . . didn't get a name-for-the-pain til my wife found this site for me (2/02)  . . . was having multiple attacks, 6-8 daily, sometimes 3-5 at night . . . a basket-case always afraid of the next one.

I was also a fairly heavy drinker, and had been for several years so in no way did I associate the attacks with alcohol . . . til I came here.  I don't think anyone here has ever suggested that alcohol in anyway causes CH, BUT . . . once you acquire CH for whatever reason, for most of us alcohol becomes a trigger (major one for me).

Take the cluster quiz (link on left) and let us know how you do.  Also explore the other links to better arm yourself for your next doc visit.

Glad you found us . . . hope it's not CH, but if it is you're in the best place you could be.

 Be Safe,   PFDANs

    Richard

Took me a little while to figure out that if I took a few sips of beer I got the "hangover" before I finished the beer. This was happening on a regular basis, so I quit drinking beer (the "hangovers" were blinding and painful :) ). Drink beer = HURT! (I'm a slow learner, but this finally got thru to me).

Then I started getting them without the help of the beer.... Finally figured out something was wrong and got to the doctor. Lo and Behold!!! CH!!!

Moral of story.... get to a doctor, get diagnosed (and don't drink beer in the meantime!).

Hugs BD