I'm Andi and I was wondering if you could tell me if you think my bf is afflicted with CH.  I hope to God not, but some of these symptoms seem to match up.  Last night he asked me to come over and by the time I got there he was in a totally different state.  He was walking like an old man and could barely talk.  He said this terrible headach just attacked him out of nowhere.  He's been having severe headaches all his life and thought they were migraines.  But upon stumbling on this info, I'm starting to think its CH (but praying its not!)  

Last night he had a severe headache only on the right side of his head.  He kept telling me "this is the worst pain known to man...I would never wish this on anyone."  It seems similar to symptoms of CH but the only problem is he wasn't thrashing about and banging his head on the floor like all of the people on this board discribe.  Perhaps it is a mild version that's just getting started?  Hoping someone could clear this up for me...

Hello Andi. Sorry to hear your bf is suffering so much but am glad you care enough to look for help.
The one sided pain is a sign of cluster headaches but not the only one and it could be something else. Can you describe more of his symptoms? And not all cluster sufferers do the thrashing and head banging. Some do, some don’t. On the left side of your screen are tabs ‘cluster quiz’ and ‘cluster traits’. Will he take the cluster quiz and report back to us? This web site has the most cluster info anywhere and you’ll always get a straight answer.
Please let us know.

Hi Andi. I'm sorry anyone has to deal with this horror. supporters as well.

The one side excruciating pain does sound like CH and Bob's right that not all of us banged our heads. When I had mine I used to sit at my kitchen table and go through all kinds of no doubt unpleasant to watch twisting, strecthing, rocking in an effort to find any position that might help. I wasn't successful. With CH no one sits still. Lots of pacing. With CH your eye runs and reddens usually and the area feels warm. For me when it ended, it seemed to just "drain away" in less than a minute. Some slight lingering pain remained but it wasn't debilitating.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

Charlie

I too rarely thrash about our bang my head, although I have on occasion.  Most of the time I try to turnmyself inside out, but we each deal with it differently.

I'm not going to try to say yes or no, esp with such little info.  There are a lot of other types of HA's out there, plus other more damaging problems that need to be ruled out first.  Have him take the cluster quiz as others have mentioned.  THt is not a foolproof DX, but rather just a guidepost to direct your search.  He does need to see a Neuro ASAP and get an MRI and MRA to rule out other more sinister probs.

Please keep us posted either way.

Jerry

Thank you guys for the info and support.  I just got word from him that the headaches got much worse today..."way past unbearable" in his words. He couldnt walk without help.  But he just left the Urgent Care place and the doctor said he had an upper respiratory infection and migraines.  So they gave him an injection and he feels better.  I hope thats the answer and this stuff wont keep recurring.  

I'm so happy its not CH, you have no idea how much these message boards have scared me!  You all are very strong to deal with this affliction and I pray that we will find a solution.

Keep strong, everyone.
Andi

Hi Andi, I'm glad your BF managed to get some relief. I'm sorry that you were so scared of the content of this site. Yes it is a horrible affliction.

I hope it is not CH as you have mentioned. It would not hurt and also might do a world of good for your BF to see a neurologist/headache specialist to be on the safe side.

There are those here that can provide you with that info if you choose to ask.

Wishing you and your BF all the best and PFD.

Iddy :)

Andi wrote on Jul 8^th, 2009 at 12:17am:

I just got word from him that the headaches got much worse today..."way past unbearable" in his words. He couldnt walk without help.  But he just left the Urgent Care place and the doctor said he had an upper respiratory infection and migraines.  So they gave him an injection and he feels better.

Hi Andi,

First, thanks for being a great supporter!!   :)

I just want to mention that I would not take an urgent care doc's diagnosis as the final say for something like this... I would find a headache specialist to see as Iddy mentioned - spend a bit of time, perhaps have a MRI done? and get a real diagnosis to rule out any of the major head conditions that this could be.  The urgent care places are designed to be crisis-centered - get past the crisis and get the patient feeling ok to go home and free the bed for the next one, in my opinion.  They are not designed to take medical history, talk in detail to the patient, be extensive and make sure they have the right diagnosis!  With my head, this is something I would want for sure!!!

Something to consider?

Best of luck that he is 'just' dealing with migraines - I have those too.  Ugh - not fun AT all, but you're right - they sure do beat CH!!   :P

Val

There are so many types and sources of headache that diagnosis and treatment is not a do-it-yourself project. A specialist is most important because so many neurologists have had so little training/useful experience that many folks have been mislead for long periods. If you have a choice, find a good person.....
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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.

Thanks again for the support guys!! My mom pulled a book about migraines outta the closet.  It looks really helpful, so I'm going to take that over to his house first.  Then I'm going to suggest seeing a a real neurologist.  It's funny that he works in a hospital with neurologists but has never consulted any of them...

Best wishes,
Andi

Andi,take full  advantage that your BF works with Nuerologists!

The fact that they are Nuerologists means little unless they are familiar with CH.

There is lots of info that you can download from this site and bring to an appointment with a  Nuerologist. If you don't find satisfaction with the first one you meet,then find another. Be prepared to continue until you find one that you  are both comfortable with.

All the best Iddy :)