Guys,

Long time headache sufferer from Columbia, S.C..

I certainly appreciate your patience as I learn the best section to post my questions to you in.

I do not believe that I suffer from Cluster Headaches.

I usually do not have a headache more than once or twice a week. My headaches are usually similar to the ice pick headaches in the temples that some frequently get.

I occasionally will take prescription medication when I can find it. However, normally I am limited to extra strength excedrin or excedrin migraine. I've tried and taken just about every over the counter medication over the years.

My trigger is not what I eat but what I do not eat. I low carb a lot and I am in the process of attempting to create a list of foods that I can eat when a headache starts that will help to eliminate it.

I have found at times that there are foods that will temporarily numb the headache for 30 to 45 minutes but it always comes back.

Thanks for your help!!

There are so very many types of headache that getting a good diagnosis is both necessary and often difficult. The information you have given is much too vague for us to be of assisance.

Strongly advise you to find a headache specialist--not a general neurologist.

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE; On-line screen to find a physician.

5. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

6. START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.

What Bob said. ;) We have seen the best results when people get referred to a headache specialist neurologist. General Practice Docs get a total of about 4 hours in medical school on ALL headache types. Your garden variety neuro doesn't get much more. Your best bet at an accurate diagnosis, and an effective treatment regimen, is a headache specialist neuro. Wishing you speed in the diagnosis, and some pain free time soon.

Joe