Since I haven't seen anything related to this in about 4 wks of browsing messages here, I just have to ask.
Have any CH'ers ever had Bells Palsey?
If so, was it before or after your first Cluster attach?
I had Bell's Palsey about a year or so before my first CH episode, and they are both on the same side.(left) Both seem to be associated with the trigeminal nerve, and I can't help but wonder if they are related somehow, but my Nuero says no.
Some of the old symptoms of the Bells come back when I get hit, i.e., sensitive ear, watery eye, runny nose, droopy eye, etc. I would like to hear from anyone who has had both Bell's and CH.
I am in my 4th month of this episode, looks like it might be going chronic, sure hope not. Can't seem to kick them all the way, but couldn't get by without my O2. Dr. has started me on lithium(after much reluctance on my part), 600 mg a day, so we'll see if that helps. Previous episodes were only 6-8 wks, so not sure if this is normal or not.
Thanks so much to everyone on this site, you have been so helpful and supportive.

Hoping for PFDAN soon
Fred

I haven't heard this mentioned that I can remember ever on the board.  You say, "Some of the old symptoms of the Bells come back when I get hit, i.e., sensitive ear, watery eye, runny nose, droopy eye, etc. ".  These sound like clasic ch symptoms.  Dont know about Bells palsy symtoms.  Maybe you are getting a double dose I dont know.  I took 900mg of lithium.  600 sounds like a good dose to start at.   By the way you are not chronic until you have gone a year in cycle with less than a months break.  So you have a ways to go yet.  Stop worring and take it one day at a time.  good luck. 

Those are typical CH symptoms, and are not necessarily related to Bell's.  I frequently get the same symptoms, to the point I can't eat or drink for a couple of hours until the numbness in the lips and cheek dissipate.  It makes one look rather strange when it hits in public.

As Karla said, don't worry about going chronic just yet.  If you happen to go chronic it isn't the end of the world.  You just adapt and live your life.  It also alleviates the fear of the beast coming back.  You know when it will hit and can order your life accordingly.  Been chronic now for about 7 yrs after 25 or so episodic.  I'd rather stay chronic unless they go away for good, but then I'd still be looking over my shoulder just waiting for a hit.

Jerry

I always have a droopy eye when getting hit.  This cycle, however, my droopiness has taken over more of my face.  It is noticeable in my eyebrow and cheek even between hits.  I'm taking steroids right now and the longer I go between HA's the more I'm looking like my normal self!

Jeannie

Thanks for the responses, I have been wondering about this for a while. I did have Bells before I had any CH, so the symptoms were originaly from that, but are more pronounced with the CH episodes.
The lithuim seems to be mellowing things out a bunch, just hope it stays that way. Actually getting 6 hrs sleep now.

Fred,

I had Bells Palsy in my late teens on the left side - opposite side from my CH's. My Doc at the time said that it was prevalent in people who burn the candle at both ends.

I never had any symptoms aside from the massive drooping and complete lack of facial muscle control and numbness on the side of my face.

It cleared up completely because of my youth I suspect, but they gave me weekly B12 shots. Now, at 56 years old, my left eye does droop - don't know if it's related but I suspect so. I met other people who got when they were older and ended up with permanent droop.

Marc