Hi,

First of all, I would like to thank you for putting this site up.  I didn't even know the name of the headaches I have been getting until I did my own research.  My doctor didn't even know what I had.

From time to time, I suffer from sinus headaches.  My husband massages the back of my neck and temples and this tends to reduce the sinus pain I feel.  However, sometimes the massage triggers an awful pain that seems to radiate throughout my head.  It is so severe that I become immobilized.  I try to squeeze my skull between my hands to stop the pain, but to no avail.  Thankfully, this headache only lasts for 30 seconds or so.  My heart goes to all those suffering for minutes, hours, and days at end.

Is there a relationship between the sinus and cluster headaches?  Please advise.

Hi Auzziegirl,

I'm not aware of a direct relationship between the sinus and CH.

I haven't heard of a case of CH that only lasts 30 seconds per attack either, so thankfully you may not  have CH.

For those 30 seconds you are our sister in this battle though.  8-)

I wonder if you might wanna consider not having your husband massage the back of your neck and temples anymore?  :)

PS - CH pain occurs primarily on one side of the head.

There probably is a relationship between CH and the sinuses, but it's not really been identified. I say that because some can get relief by applying lidocaine to the nasal passages on the affected side. Also because of how the sinus runs on the affected side.

Otherwise the only real relationship we've seen on the board is the large number of people who are misdiagnosed originally as having severe sinus issues, only to find out they were suffering from CH.

Like Jeeber I'm a little confused by your post as what you're describing is not typical CH symptoms. When you get a chance let us know more about what your symptomology is, what has and hasn't helped you in the past, what the doctors have told you etc. There are so many different headache types and meds that help some are worthless or even harmful for others. We don't diagnose here, but maybe we can steer you in the right direction. Headache pain.....of ANY kind, sucks!

Joe

Thank you for your responses.

I'm kind of in the middle of a self diagnosis, as my doctor has no idea what I am talking about when I describe the headache.  I am certainly relieved that it doesn't sound like CH, especially after reading all the personal horror stories.  I can't imagine the pain you go through.

I don't have my neck or temples massaged anymore, even though that was the best way to relieve my sinus pressure.  However, I can feel the onset of the headache when I blow my nose also and I have to stop abruptly and hope that it doesn't start.  On a few occasions, I felt the headache from just that.

I think the best way to describe my headache is a sharp pain that radiates through my whole head (not just one side).  It only lasts for up to 30 secs, but like I mentioned in my previous post, I become immobolized for that period of time.  One thing I am certain of is that the pain is related to my sinuses because I only get these episodes during sinus problems.

I may certainly be on the wrong site, but if you have any answers or advice, I would love to hear from you, especialy since I am not getting any from my doctor. 

I appreciate your patience and time.

auzziegirl wrote on Mar 2^nd, 2010 at 12:55pm:

...if you have any answers or advice, I would love to hear from you, especialy since I am not getting any from my doctor.

How about, "get a new doctor?"

Take the cluster quiz here to give you some direction.

    START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

Also, take a look at these other forms of headaches.

    
From the IHS  International Classification Of Headache Disorders  2nd Edition 
 
SUNCT: 
 
Diagnostic criteria: 
A. At least 20 attacks fulfilling criteria B–D 
B. Attacks of unilateral orbital, supraorbital or temporal 
stabbing or pulsating pain lasting 5–240 seconds   
C. Pain is accompanied by ipsilateral conjunctival 
injection and lacrimation 
D. Attacks occur with a frequency from 3 to 200 per 
day 
E. Not attributed to another disorder 
 
---------- 
Paroxysmal Hemicranias: 
 
Diagnostic criteria: 
A. At least 20 attacks fulfilling criteria B–D 
B. Attacks of severe unilateral orbital, supraorbital or temporal pain lasting 2–30 minutes 
C. Headache is accompanied by at least one of the following: 
1. ipsilateral conjunctival injection and/or lacrimation 
2. ipsilateral nasal congestion and/or rhinorrhoea 
3. ipsilateral eyelid oedema 
4. ipsilateral forehead and facial sweating 
5. ipsilateral miosis and/or ptosis 
D. Attacks have a frequency above 5 per day for more than half of the time, although periods with lower frequency may occur 
E. Attacks are prevented completely by therapeutic 
doses of indomethacin 
F. Not attributed to another disorder 
 
We all understand a lack of education on cluster headaches by Dr's.   They get a whole 5 hours of training in medical school on headaches.  ALL different kinds of headaches...so you can see most are NOT up on the latest treatements,  much less the knowledge to diagnose. 

Hi Linda,

Thank you very much for the information above.  It was very helpful. 

Auzziegirl :)

Where exactly are you?   No, we don't need an address..but a state or at least a country would be nice in order to push you in the right direction.

I'm an expat living in California ;) 

O.k.....Now THAT is funny as hell.  I'm a Californian living in Kentucky as of last June.  LMAO!!! 

If you can send me a private message, I may be able to help you find a Dr. in your area.

   

Thanks for your genuine concern Linda.

I recently went to the doctor's and dentist's office.  Turns out my sinus's are sitting directly on the root of my teeth.  The doctor believes this could be the source of the throbbing headaches.