Hello,

I have a very strange problem: Severe headache followed by swollen and itchy eyelid.

Sometimes I suddenly get a severe headache only in one side of my head, which is almost always the right side.

If I do not take a painkiller it continues for about 20 to 60 minutes and then suddenly stops. But I can also stop it with a painkiller.

Regardless of whether it is stopped naturally or by a painkiller, this happens to my eyelids AFTERWARDS WITHOUT FAIL; IN THE EXACT SAME ORDER:

1. The eyelid that is on the same side gradually swells

2. Then the other eyelid does the same

3. After the swelling is complete, they both become itchy which continues for about 1-2 hours until the itchiness goes away and eyelids gradually return to normal size.

Sometimes the eyelids get puffy so much that I can barely keep my eyes open and look like cartoon, but that rarely happens and usually it is to a degree that's barely noticeable(by others).

This thing does not happen to me regularly. Sometimes it does not happen for 6-7 months and sometimes it happens multiple times in a month. I am 23 years old male and the first time it happened was about 4 years ago.

I did some Googling and the closest thing that I found was "Cluster Headaches" hence my post here.

Does it sound like you have a newcomer in your group? please let me know of your opinions.

Kind regards,
Saeb

There is a Cluster quiz (buttons to left of main page) which may give you some idea--but we cannot diagnose nor should you trust any WWW information to replace the judgment of a good doctor.

There are, making the issue more complex, a number of rather serious disorders which mimic Cluster, but which are not headaches. Sorting out the real from the fake is important enough that you should start by asking your doctor.

Like Bob says, it's possible what you're describing is CH. That being said, there aren't many organisms as complex as a brain. Any sudden change in behavior is cause to get to a decent headache specialist neurologist. Get a full work up done and get started on the path to an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment regimen. Good luck.

Joe