My husband has been diagnosed with what the doctor thinks is CH. He has had a headache for the last 10 days, but it's been worse and constant for the last 48 hours. He puts the pain at a 10 on the 1-10 scale. He's not getting any respite from it at all and the medication the GP prescribed yesterday (Sumatriptan?) haven't helped at all and haven't seemed to touch the pain. We're going back this afternoon to see if there's something else he can try. He's also drinking LOTS of water - something he never usually does.

I feel a bit helpless at the moment  :'( My husband is never ill. In all the time I've known him he's never had a day sick off work until last week. I have to say I'm getting really worried about him now  :(

I guess my first question is does this sound like CH? If so, what can I do for him? Is there any diet changes which help? Or anything else anyone can advise.

Sorry to jump in like this. We do have a good GP but I hate seeing my husband in so much pain and not knowing what to do  :'(

Thanks

Hello Babs & Welcome

  If it is CH, you're definitely in the right place.

  You said he had a "constant" headache for 48 hours.  This is not typical CH.  We tend to have multiple attacks daily/nightly which come on, ramp rapidly, then "whoosh" away when he's done with you, leaving you exhausted and sore (and fearful of the next one).

  You need to have him see a headache specialist who should order a CT and/or MRI to rule out any potentially more serious problems.  If it's CH, those tests will come back "normal".

  Take the "cluster quiz" (link on left, 4th from top) and tell us how he did on same.

  The more info you can give us, the better we can help.  Are his attacks one-sided?  Is he able to be still during an attack?

   Be Safe,   PFDANs


      Richard

If he's had a level 10 headache for 48 hours straight (which sounds nothing like CH) I would hope the Doctor would get him in for some sort of scan immediately.  It sounds like it could be very serious.

Thanks both for your replies.

Richard - I had a look at the quiz and it doesn't sound like what he's got. He says the pain is right at the top of his head, at the crown, and is constant. It isn't localised and doesn't come and go. What I've read on here (I've been reading since I posted earlier) doesn't sound like what hubby has, so I'm going to question it when we go back to the GP this afternoon.

Thanks Bob. The GP did a range of neurology tests yesterday, but I'm going to question them further today. It's not right  :(

Thanks again. I do appreciate the replies.

Babs

There are a number of disorders, some rather serious, which mimic Cluster. Just focusing on the symptoms of Cluster can be misleading.

Suggest a specialist in headache for this is a complex ara of medicine in which most docs, even neurologists, have limited education/training.

Suggest you print out this message and use it to discuss  options with your current doc:

Link to: cluster-LIKE headache.
Section, "Medications, Treatments, Therapies --> "Important Topics" --> "Cluster-LIKE headache"
=======

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.