In my previous Cluster Headache cycle (before this one) I started having something very strange. All of a sudden, it felt like someone hammered a screwdriver into my temple. I was momentarily paralyzed, like frozen. It was painful. This lasted about 10-15 seconds. And it would happen every minute or so then would go away for awhile, only to happen again the next day, etc.

Does this sound familiar to anyone?

On a positive note, I GOT MY MEDICAID!!!!!!!!!!!!!   I thought I'd get it for my bipolar 1 and schizoaffective disorder 1 as well as cluster headaches, but it was only for the cluster headaches. My cluster headaches don't really go away. There is a break of about a week and a half to 2 weeks between cycles. Each cycle lasts an average of 3 weeks to a month and the pain slowly escalates to the excruciating level then stays there for the 3 weeks or so. I guess this is called "chronic" clusters.

Another positive thing: I FINALLY SAW A NEUROLOGIST!!!!! I've been waiting for 22 years for this, ever since the clusters made their debut...but I didn't get them diagnosed until oct 2009 by the greatest MD in KCMO at Truman Hospital. I will forever be grateful to this doctor, S.W. MD
He was the only MD who didn't blow me off. He referred me twice to Truman's neurology clinic and I've STILL not heard from them. I understand that Truman Hospital (and their Neurology clinic too) are the place that doctors around the country send their patients to. So they are busy. But a WHOLE YEAR????

Anyhoo, I moved to another town and got into a neuro in just 2 months. She prescribed imitrex and topamax. Since I've not received medicaid card yet, mom has been helping me and couldn't afford both so only had topamax filled (medicaid should reimburse her). Will see how this works. Still use hydrocodone 500/5 during the day.

Who put you on hydrocodone and for what condition? This is not a treatment for Cluster.

Hey Michelle. First, we're delighted you have found someone who will listen to you. The Tope and Imitrex are a step in the right direction. Second, I share Bob's concern. Hydrocodone is nice stuff, but won't help with clusters. I know. Third, you don't mention other effective abortives, especially O2. Are you using any of them: O2, energy drinks, melatonin, etc? Just wondering because it sounds as if your cycles are more chronic than episodic and you need to expand your arsenal. Lastly, yes, I know exactly what you mean about the screwdriver through the temple. Trigemnal nerve pain can come in a lovely variety of excruciating manifestations. They are cluster related, will yield to O2 (generally) and only get worse if allowed to continue. Let us know what's going on with your meds and abortives. Blessings. lance

Hi  Michelle,

If you haven't tried the newer, much improved method of O2 use, as outlined in the oxygen info link (which will hopefully be viewable for you to the left of this page), you gotta check it out!

It's wildly popular around here with our fellow CH'ers because it works for most of us really well.

If you do get the imitrex, please be aware that  the injections are the most effective form, and that there is a way to really $tretch out the doses:
START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE


PS - some of the more fervent the anti narcotic folks around here can come down real hard on those who report that they've been taking pain killers. Try not to take it too personally if you encounter this.