I have just discovered this site - whilst I am not pleased to see others suffering as I am, it is nice to know I am not alone and not going insane.  I am currently going through the 3rd bout I have had in 5 years - I didn't get cluster headaches until I hit 40 years old.   (In addition to prescribed drugs which seem to have less and less effect) I have been using ice blocks (solid plastic packs) this time around; one on the back of my neck and the other on/around my right temple - sometimes rubbed so hard/vigorously on my head that it feels that I am rubbing my scalp off - if I could work out how to insert it into my skull I would!  However, whilst it is not complete relief it does act as a distraction for a time.  I find that the more I freeze my brain the better - although at times I am not sure if this doesn't sometimes add as much pain as the headache itself.  I sometimes find that I have been freezing my head longer than was perhaps necessary, but daren't stop because the distraction does at least do something for me.  My worst problem is when the headache reaches my upper jaw on the right hand side, I can't seem to get any relief for that and feel like prizing my teeth out to help.  Has anyone got any suggestions on what I can do for my teeth (bearing in mind both hands are occupied with ice packs - eating ice doesn't seem to help at all.  I have been sitting up waiting for tonights bout, which thankfully hasn't happened yet and am finding that I am getting fearful of falling asleep as it mostly kicks in when sleeping.  Does anyone else get a feeling of elation (well at least enormous relief that it feel like elation/great happiness) when it is all over?

Please look at this very simple drawing of where CH strikes us.  START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

It is not JUST behind the eye and temple or nasel passages.  It goes down into the teeth as well.  This is exactly why we cringe here when we hear that folks have had perfectly good teeth pulled out of their head because some stupid dentist said THAT was the problem when indeed it was not.

You have so much reading to do around here.  Someone recently said this is the "Home Depot" of what you need.  Go up and down the aisles here and start reading.  We, who are veterans of this condition will help you and answer any questions. 

Hands down, the best thing you can do for yourself is to get an Oxygen set up. There are a few details, like getting a prescription, and so forth, but all well worth the effort.

Ice works for you, heat is my weapon, but like you said its only a distraction. As lame as it seems, I find deep relaxation to be my best method of 'distraction'. After years of moaning and rocking I find it better to lay still and totally relax. Its not easy to relax, but I found I would compound my pain with stress and tension.

Also don't bother with Tylenol or Advil. If you take them all the time you get 'Rebound' headaches, which again just compound the issue.

I had a half dozen root canals, wisdom's out, weak glasses, chiropractors, and more I cant remember trying to find out what was wrong with my head.

You know what your problem is, and you found this site/resource, and that means your about to feel a whole lot better soon.

There are documents available here, that you can bring to your family doctor so they can better understand your case.

You need to arrange to get O2 ASAP. I've had CH's for 10 years or so, and O2 is all I needed to zap away 97% of my CHs, in 3-20 mins. Its the CH wonder drug IMO.

Using Oxygen is however not child's-play, and is potentially dangerous. To call it flammable doesn't do it justice either.

Use the links on the left of the main forum, since about everything you could ever need to know is in there. You can even buy a quality face-mask directly from the site.

Your in good hands now my friend.

Yes to the O2-read the link at left. Add an energy drink with at least 80mgs caffeine and 1000mgs taurine just as soon as you can when an attack starts. Get to a headache specialist who can prescribe for you an effective preventative-verapamil, lithium, topomax, etc. You've just begun your shopping at Home Depot CH Central, but read, and read and read some more. Good advice here! Sorry you are here but welcome to the Board! Blessings. lance