I've been a clusterhead for >20 years now (episodic; 1-2 cycles/year; each cycle lasting 3-8 weeks).
I've tried many of the common meds and approaches.
Has anyone tried (with success or not) anesthetic-type topical treatments like a lidocaine patch or cream? Something to dull the pain long enough to get through the episode...?

I tried liquid Lidocaine and liquid Cocaine drops. I forget the amount of Lidocaine, but the Cocaine was a "4% solution" (also available in 10%) which I administered while laying with my head off the bed (basically upside down) so I could get 4 drops (in each nostril). The immediate goal was to get the drops to fall as far back and in my nostrils as possible and took a cpl of times to get it right, but the ultimate goal of aborting an attack was futile. I only did it about 6 times or so and gave it up due to crazy dreams after the attack. Another man (a 70 yr old episodic clusterhead) swore by it ... but I could not get any relief from it. He kept saying I'm not getting it in right <?> Who knows ...

This approach hasn't gained much attention in the medical literature.

Latest evaluations of common used treatments in the PDF file, below.

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2 things have helped me greatly, one is a "mygrastick"--a roll on stick with peppermint and Lavender essential oil that is made for migraines.  I roll it on my forehead and temple when I'm getting hit there.  More frequently I get hit just in my eye, and this stuff is to strong for that, what has worked wonders though is the peppermint chapstick--Its just the right strength to put right on my eye lid and it works wonders.  Not going to do anything for a really bad hit, but works great for some of the lesser ones...

I did try intranasal lidocaine at one point, no help.

Lol, at getting it in your eye!!  I tried that stuff for migraine and that's what I remember about it... getting it in my eye... it burns! =PP

Peppermint chapstick?  Now that's something do-able. On the eyelid of the effected eye.  Well, anything is worth a try...huh?

Beth E wrote on Oct 13^th, 2011 at 7:04pm:

Peppermint chapstick?  Now that's something do-able. On the eyelid of the effected eye.  Well, anything is worth a try...huh?

OUCH! ;D

Joe

Hi rob...

intranasal lidocaine...no help...tho the contortions required in the attempt did get me laughing...I must be a clusterhead to be doing THIS! Also caused an enlightening (for her) discussion on cluster headache with the pharmacist filling the script...who had never heard of ch...and was delightfully interested. Hoping it helped a fellow down the line who was her customer....

many years ago...Tiger Balm on the temples "seemed" to help with shadows...it don't do squat now...but I still love the smell...

Best,

Jon

I have used the Berts Bees chapstick on my eyelid and it helps me about half the time.