I have had episodes of cluster headaches since i was 20 but mild and short term, always controllable with triptans and pain mess. Just went through the worst series of my life.  11 days with 5-8 attacks / day and nothing was doing the trick.  I am on day 6 of prednisone which limited the severity of he ch immediately.  I now just feel the ear fullness and slight headaches.  Of course now I am getting no sleep and still feel dazed, lethargic and can't think properly. Other than the steroid flushes and mania.   When will my brain feel normal again.

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When will I be normal again

Perhaps never. Which is why you need to block out some time and start reading around here and at START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE.

It's all about how you manage it.

If there is someone out there with a "normal" brain...I would personally like to meet them.

As for your headaches, can't agree more with reading, reading, and reading on this website.  There are several more methods of helping with your Cluster's than you think.

There is a link on the left side of the page concerning oxygen.  For a lot of people, oxygen can abort a hit in less than 10 minutes.

Another idea is to head over to Batch's "123 Days PF" thread and read up on his vitamin regime.  Numerous people have either reduced the amount of hits they were getting or  have gone completely PF from it.

Unfortunately, clusters tend to only get worse as you get older- or at least until you get really old. Such is the way of things. Sometimes things that worked before start to lose their effectiveness and you need to try a new approach. Keep reading up on this site and hang in there.

Thanks for responses and encouragement.  I have been reading a lot on here and have discussed further treatment options with my Dr's if steroids dont end the episode.  CH very mild at the moment eye drooping gone. Thank god. I am experiencing what I've read described as a migraine postdrome for several days now.  Fatigued, confused. Can't think of words, short term memory problems etc.  Shaky from steroids too.  Out of work for almost a weeknand need to go back soon.  looking for some insight as to when The cognitive impairment will subside.

M80 I feel for you.. I also have short term memory "loss". I put loss in quotes because for me, it only happens during days I have hits...unfortunately I'm chroni, so lots of those. However, its more of a sorting issue than loss. Its like I cant find the memory right now, but a day or 2 later, its in there. I pretty much chalk it up to concentration issues due to the trauma, so this is how I deal...journal...for stuff you need to remember, even day to day stuff, even if you cant remember if you just took a shower, write it down. I use a day planner. I write down when I took my meds, to literally if I took a shower. I have been know to take 3 showers in one day because I forgot I took one. So as trivial as the task may seem...write it down...

If you think the memory loss is actual loss than you should definitely consult your doc. There could be something else going on, medication could be causing an issue. Depakote was prescribed to me once and it literally turned me into an idiot. I couldn't think of simple words, I babbled, sometimes I couldn't finish a sentence...everything will be ok, keep reading, keep posting and definitely continue educating yourself on CH.

Btw my reg is O2 20lpm for 20mins, imitrex inj, and energy drink(my pref is redbull or xyence...mostly because of flavor)

hope this was helpful...

Love and Gratitude! Stay PF my friends

Marc wrote on May 20^th, 2012 at 9:28pm:

japanzaman wrote on May 20th, 2012 at 6:35pm: Unfortunately, clusters tend to only get worse as you get older- or at least until you get really old. .................... I'm curious what "really old" is? Marc

I don't think there's an established age. Research seems to indicate that clusters peak during one's middle age and slowly taper off after that. Obviously this will vary from individual to individual.