Hello,
I am new here as well as the clusterbuster site.  It is for my husband...the past four cycles of ch'ers have been getting worse in pain, longer in duration, and increasing more per day.  About 10 years ago, he was diagnosed with CH, with my help, because the dr. tried to say it was migraines...until I brought her my evidence.  He first tried channel blockers and blood pressure meds.  and they didn't do anything but make him sick....then for years he just dealt with the cycle when it hit...in July....but as the years grow he so does this.  Suddenly, they were coming in January and July...once a day to two a day to three a day....now he goes a few months in then a few months on and off. Sooo, I decided I need to research....Nobody should have to suffer this way.... I do have him on the VitD but he is only taking 10,000 IUs, when I gave him 20,000 IUs he seemed to get nauseated....Is that normal?   I hope I find him help....
:-[ :-[

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 post a message.
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When you report meds used: please include the specif med and dose and how long used.
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Is your doc trained and experience in treating headache disorders. Large number of doc's have little training and often outdatec experience; this true even with Neurologists.

Cluste is not a simple disorder to diagnosis: there are dozens of problems which mimic Cluster but which are not headache disorders, hence, need for skilled doc.

So, wold encourag you to ask you doc about his training and experience. If can't satisfity your then,

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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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thanks for the information.  I already suggested to my husband that we check to see how up to date his neuro...is. there is a list provided on the clusterbuster forum and one is available in our home town.  I will edit my profile.  I wasn't aware that demographics could play a role in cluster headaches....I keep learning something new everytime I read on this site and the clusterbuster site.....great information available.....but overwhelming as well. :D :D

It surely is confusing for a new soul to get involved here. It's so common, and easy, for us to offer our ideas, treatment advice, etc. as "the best". Cautious skepticism is not a bad stance to have as you read until you can confirm validity of claims/advice.

Re. doc finder lists: the advantage of the sources I listed is that they are regularly updated vs. lists of personal recommendations. Someone's personal recommendations may support the professionally sourced lists but they are not substitutes.

Thank you so much for your information...it is very much appreciate it....I feel like with this information....I can be of some help for my husband....thank you so much!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :)

Finding hope? I can promise, sweetie, it's people like you who give us hope!

Our greatest weapon in fighting this monster is knowledge, and here you are seeking all the information you can get so as to help one of our ClusterMates.

Around here you're called a Supporter, and our Supporters are Gold.

I think I love you.