Hello.

I'm not exactly new to the world of CH, but I kind of feel like I'm learning this all again for the first time.

I was briefly diagnosed in 2007 with CH, but my diagnosis was later retracted when I got a CT scan and was found to have a rather awkward sinus infection. I now know that what I thought was a rather annoying headache then was but a paper cut compared to this.

Fast forward to about a month ago, when I went to the dentist to diagnose a tooth problem, during which I got some local anesthetic which ended up numbing most of the left side of my face. When I got home and the anesthetic wore off, I was just fine for about an hour, and then the left side of my head was on fire, mostly in the temple region, completely unconnected to my teeth. It was on and off like this for the next several days, but I thought nothing of it beyond a reaction to the anesthetic.

About two weeks ago (exactly two, as of yesterday), however, I experienced the exact same pain, completely out of nowhere. I probably should've gone to the hospital that day, but I was too exhausted to even contemplate finding my way to a bus at the ridiculous hour of the morning this occurred. I went, instead, after work on that Tuesday to the Urgent Care center right down the block, where, after I was checked out for signs of infection or more serious neurological problems, I got my second diagnosis of CH. I got oxygen, which helped, and a shot of something (I can't remember, it's written down somewhere), which also helped, and was told to keep track of the headaches over the next couple of weeks.

I was skeptical due to my previous diagnosis, and I felt like the severity of the headaches after that visit were more at the level of my last diagnosis, so I just kind of wrote it off as another misdiagnosis. I was fully prepared to have to try and convince my GP to do another CT scan.

Yesterday, however, at almost the exact same instant I got that headache two weeks ago, I found myself experiencing the exact same level of excruciating pain, which, like last time, went on and off throughout the day (mostly at work).

So, here I am, a bit less of a skeptic than I was last week. I still have to do a thorough follow-up appointment with my (unfortunately entirely new) GP, but, the more research I do and the more I keep track of when and where these occur, the more I'm convinced that maybe they actually do know what's up over there at Urgent Care.

I do have to say, it's a really good thing I have such good insurance, right now, so that I can do this the right way, no matter the diagnosis.

Unless your GP has some skills in headache treatment which is not common, suggest you consider finding a specialist first. We have too much experience with people taking years to get good Dx and treatment because most docs, even neurologists, lack training/experience.
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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.

Cpt. Jag , Bob is one of the best. He has put you on the right track.

Any questions? Ask away.

Thanks for the info! I still have to see my GP for referrals because of my insurance, but at least now I can have some options ready for when I do go.

I don't have any questions that I can think of at the moment, but I'm sure they will come up as I continue along with this.

Welcome from the southern end of the west coast! Seems you've sent your weather our way as it's cloudy and drizzly here today!!

A popular approach to treating CH is the 2 pronged one:

1: A good prevent. This is a med you take daily, whle on cycle, with the goal of reducing the frequency and the intensity of your hits. I use lithium at 1200 mg a day. Verapamil and topomax are also popular preventatives.

2: A good abortive. Your attack starts, now what? Oxygen should be your first line abortive. Cheap, no side effects, and I can halt an attack in under 10 minutes, typical abort time for me is 6-8 minutes. Read the oxygen info link on the left as it has to be used correctly to be effective.

Imitrex injectables and nasal sprays are both popular abortives. For now, try powering down an energy drink at the first sign of an attack. One containing caffeine and taurine, monster, rock star, etc. Many find they can abort or substantially reduce an attack that way. Strong coffee will help with shadows for many.

Bob's right, finding a decent neuro is a must! Welcome to the board.

Joe