I actually found this site last year, but my cycle was the worst I'd ever experienced I spent the time I wasn't working or having a cluster crying.  Last year was a bad one - I had a doc reverse my cluster diagnosis and basically screw me up for about 6 weeks.   I'd just moved and had to start from scratch with doctors - but I think the fact that I'd moved to a higher elevation also had an impact on how rough it was.

I'm so glad this place is here, though!  I've never met another clusterhead and it's hard to get through it sometimes when well-meaning, but completely ignorant people try to comfort me with stories of their bad headaches.  I tend to nod, smile and move away with those folks.

The rundown: I'm 23, a teacher and coach, and I just entered my 5th cluster cycle - just in time for softball season and the beginning of school!  I did find a good doctor by the end of my 13 week cycle last year, though, so I'm already on Verapamil this time around and have my stock of Maxalt.

Well, I just thought I'd initiate myself with this little post.  I'm finally ready to join the fray! :)

Just did a search on PubMed and found zip on the question of altitude/other environmental factors as triggers with CH.

The question comes up re. flying, with some regularity,  and I can't recall any pattern which would suggest some link.

Elevation and air pressure changes do affect me and trigger CH attacks, it's the same with my Dad too.

I always make sure to have abortives with me whenever I travel in any form.

HI Teach Jump on in, glad you found us and I am sorry the CH beast found you as well.

Hello TeacherCol.  What altitude did you move from and how long were you there?  What altitude are you at now and how long have you been there?

I spent most of my life living at, or near, sea level.  We moved up here (ie 550 metres) in 2005.  Last year my CH changed from being ECH to CCH.  Whilst my evidence is at best anecdotal, it would nevertheless be interesting to know if there was any similarity with your experience.

Hi TeacherCol,


I had numerous attacks when taking the plane. I also remember two consecutive attacks on a bus in Peru when I went from 1500 to 3500 meters.

In my case however the attacks were limited to altitude changes, so staying at 3500m for a few days didn't cause any problems.