I am newly diagnosed as having Cluster Variant Headaches. My symptoms appear about four times a year and started about 3 years ago at age 41. It starts with a feeling of soreness in the corner of the eye( always the same eye). It then progresses to a watery eye swollen droopy eyelid with a stuffy or runny nose on the same side. This all comes with severe headache (feels worse than the worse toothache I have ever had located in my eye with a burning boring sensation) that last between 48hrs and 96 hours. The pain never comes and goes during that period but has a peak of pain with valleys on each side. I can't sleep or lay down during the headache and often just pace or rock and rub my face and eye. I used to use OTC stuff to try and stop the pain but it would not touch the pain at all. Once the attack starts to go away my eye swelling and tearing start to lessen but I am left with what looks like a black eye. After I went to the doctor this last time (just last week) she gave me high flow oxygen which helped some. Does anyone else have these type of symptoms with their cluster headaches? From what I read most people suffer multiple headaches over a longer period of time, not just a four day full blast cluster. Any information would be helpful.
Thanks,
Kyle

That's a new one on me. Are you working with a headache specialist neurologist? Headaches are an area where a specialist is critical as GP's and even most garden variety neuros just don't have the experience to diagnose and treat any but the most basic of headache types. My only suggestion is to start this regimen as it's helping CH'ers and migrainers. It's good for you even without any headache types so it's certainly worth starting while you pursue a qualified neuro:

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Joe

Hunh...like Joe, I've not heard of an attack lasting that long. It seems counterindicative to clusters by definition. Although many of the other symptoms match. Wish I could tell you more but I might suggest that since this is atypical of CHs you might be more aggressive with your neuro in exploring other headache types? Curious about your use of high flow O2. What was the flow rate and what equipment were you given? Blessings. lance

I've heard of people with chronic clusters experiencing peaks and valleys with no real relief. A few CH sufferers I've had messages from have talked about a "prodromal headache" with acute headaches in between. Myself, I'm in Day 5 of a prodromal headache, but luckily I've only had four screamers in that time. Nasty business this, but it's the life we live.