Ny neuro has suggested that I make an appointment with Dr. Mathew at the Houston Headache Clinic.  Has anyone here ever gone or heard anything about this clinic or the doc?  I have persistent, drug resistant chronic cluster headache.

My neuro is also suggesting in-patient IV DHE treatments, but I'm concerned about the side effects.  Apparently, my neuro advised me that IV DHE can cause the body to create scar tissue in some body organs.  My body is already excellent in creating scar tissue on its own.  I heal quickly from wounds and surgeries, so quickly in fact that I typically have to have a follow-up surgery to remove excess scar tissue.

Any information or comments would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

IV DHE is known to help break up a cycle.  I too am chronic and med resistant.  I found IV DHE to break up the ch and give me a couple of weeks break.  I thought it was worth it for a sanity break.

I dont know about your ha clinic.  But they may have ideas that your neuro hasnt tried or be willing to try higher doses of some meds.  I went to a ha/pain clinic and was then able to find something that works for me.  So I would definetly be excited about the opportunity to go.

Google search on the clinic name.....

Dr. Mathew is an excellent doc, one of the leaders in the development of headache medicine in his early professional life.

Several years ago, several of our members were his patients and wrote in glowing terms about his kind treatment style.

Thanks for posting this info!  As soon as my husband and I get our house on the market and sold, we're moving to Houston.  It'll be good to know this resource is available there!

Bond007 wrote on Feb 25^th, 2010 at 10:31am:

...my neuro advised me that IV DHE can cause the body to create scar tissue in some body organs.

Methysergide maleate is renowned for that, not DHE. And it takes place over the course of months and months of repeated daily exposure, not a three-day stint in the hospital. Your doc is confused.

Actually, it is I was got confused.  My doc and talked about so many different things that I inadvertently got the side effects of Sansert confused with the side effects of DHE.  And, yes, as for the Sansert goes, it would be a daily medication taken over a long period of time.  The fibrosis issue has me VERY concerned.

Thanks straightening me out, Brew!

Bond007 wrote on Feb 26^th, 2010 at 2:39pm:

Actually, it is I was got confused.  My doc and talked about so many different things that I inadvertently got the side effects of Sansert confused with the side effects of DHE.  And, yes, as for the Sansert goes, it would be a daily medication taken over a long period of time.  The fibrosis issue has me VERY concerned. Thanks straightening me out, Brew!

The remedial action for that is to take a minimum one-month holiday from the drug every six months. That break seems to avert the development of fibrosis.