Hi, I have just found this site. It looks great with much info. I have only recently determined that my occasional headaches are not sinus but Cluster!!! I have had them since my 20's, and the period cycle can be over 2 years, a period maybe lasting 1 to 4 weeks. I have recently started a new period, having had an attack all but 2 of the past 8 days. Mine occur like clockwork at 5:00PM; they last from 45 min. to 1.5 hours.  The cluster headache medical article I found on this site really was revealing. Since the pain was primarily at the left frontal sinus, I just figured it was always sinus. But all of my symptoms fit to the Tee. My heart is absolutely out to you that have these damn things more often than I do.
What is everyone's opinion for the best abortive when an attack starts? I typically know an attack is coming on within 10 minutes before it really hammers me. A quick abortive would be great.
Thanks, Chaos

OXYGEN OXYGEN OXYGEN! It's cheap, no side effects, portable as heck, I abort my attacks in about 6-8 minutes. Has completely changed my outlook on the beast. Read the following link, should answer any questions you have. On or off cycle there is an 8 pack of E-Tanks parked in my garage!

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Are you working with a decent headache neuro? I ask for 2 reasons. There are several other maladies which mimic CH, which should be eliminated by your doc before he gives you a firm diagnosis. And our experience has been GP's don't know squat about CH, and your garden variety neuros do not know much more then them.

welcome to the club, you have much reading to do. A knowledgeable CH'er hurts a lot less!

Joe

Joe, Thanks for info. Everyone seems to like Oxygen!! What are the other pathologies that mimic CH? This seems to be fairly specific with respect to timing, location, and other symptoms.
Thanks, Chaos

Go to the "Medications, Treatments and Therapies"  Section, In the upper portion "Important Topics" Bob Johnson has posted a great summation of of the similar maladies, "Cluster Like Headaches" which should be checked out.

We're real gun shy about "agreeing" with a self diagnosis of CH. You're probably spot on, but it'd be irresponsible to play the odds you might use our advice to reduce the symptoms of a more sinister malady. The odds are remote that it's one of these, but given how simple they are to eliminate it's irresponsible not to.

Joe

Joe's given you great advice. If you're still in the early stages of CHs, you may not advance any further, and they might just disappear. Might not, too. Check out the threads and mentions of energy drinks. Red Bull, Monster, 5Hr...they can help to abort a hit. If you're not on any meds, you could try sinus meds. Sometimes they can help in the early stages of clusters. Good luck and God bless! lance