I went to the pain clinic because of the Cluster Headaches and I have had substantial (but not total) relief for a couple days from a Kenalog injection in the neck at the base of the skull. I had another injection almost a week later that lasted another couple days but not completely taking them away (Oxygen alone was the ticket to get me through). Has anyone ever had this work well? The doctor said I could go back in another 5 months if I need another, but I am not sure if it worth it. It helped for a few days, but I have to drive 85 miles on e way for a treatment that seems to last just a few days.

How bad is this for me? I understand Imitrex is pretty bad for me too.

Hi want2ride. Kenalog is a corticosteroid and as far as I know, Occipital Nerve Blocks like you describe contain some form of steroid plus other meds. Response to them around here have been mixed. I have had great response going pain free for many months at a time (I've had two) while others sometimes only days or weeks. I don't think there is a fixed formula for these so you might do some research and talk with your administering doctor about trying something else? Good luck with this. blessings. lance

I had the ONB about five weeks ago using Kenalog. It made the clusters much worse for 7-10 days after and they are now "back to normal"

It will help us to direct you to good sources of assistance if you will tell us where you live (city & state, if U.S. or country). At the Home page: Help button-->Edit & Profile --> Location. (This will add your location, just below your name, every time you posts a message.
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The experience with pain clinics around here is not positive. While treating pain, as a group, they seem to lack knowledge about the wider ranger of treatments which we need. Suggest you find, if at all possible, a headache specialist.
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LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. 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.

2.  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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.
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WHY A HEADACHE SPECIALIST IS RECOMMENDED


Headache. 2012 Jan;52(1):99-113.
Cluster headache in the United States of America: demographics, clinical characteristics, triggers, suicidality, and personal burden.
Rozen TD, Fishman RS.

THERE REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT DIAGNOSTIC DELAY FOR CLUSTER HEADACHE PATIENTS ON AVERAGE 5+ YEARS WITH ONLY 21% RECEIVING A CORRECT DIAGNOSIS AT TIME OF INITIAL PRESENTATION.
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Imitrex is not a harmful med and is a main stream abortive for Cluster. Lke any med, there are side effects but, if you are aware of what they are and pay attention, there is no compelling reason to not use it. The only clear exception is a history of heart problems; then it's no-use.

8 months since the only cluster headache bout i have had in the last 2 years. In the previous 2 years i believe i had 7-8 months worth of headaches (usually 2-6 headaches per day for a month long cycle in alternating months).

I do believe the vitamin D and fish oil helps that. Thank you.