Hey all, new here. I have self diagnosed after going to two doctors, the ER, and the dentist. I've got the classic signs - location of pain, drooping eye, runny left nostril, teary left eye, raised vessels in the left eye, cyclical nature etc etc. I'm not worried about tumor/aneurysm because they scanned the s*** out of me when I lost the ability to focus my right eye a few months ago (collagen defect related).

I'm starting to get the drooping eye with minimal tears and stuffiness (not runny) and very little pain. Does that mean the episode is about over?

I've probably been a little less pushy than most would have been because I have a genetic collagen defect that already causes a lot of pain - this was just a new pain in a different area for me. Not to say it didn't hurt, it hurts like hell and I feel for everyone who has gone through this.

I went to the ER once and they prescribed fiorecet (which did jack. This after I went to my GP who thought sinus and prescribed hyrdocodone (which did jack). I went to the dentist hoping I didn't have a tooth problem. I didn't, thank god because I can't afford dental work. Then I gave up and waited it out. The previous two days I had some pretty intense pain, 8/10 for me (sternum rubs, nail quick pricks, and needle pricks are a 0/10 for reference on my scale, so this would probably be excruciating for most people).

So, is it about over? I've never had one before. I'm pretty low income, and I don't want to spend a ton of money chasing down every dead end. Should I just talk about this with my regular doctor or do I need to talk to a headache specialist (I already have a neurologist for epilepsy whom I will be seeing in February).

Does anyone know the odds of having another episode?

Hang in there everyone!

How long have you been in pain days weeks months were exactly is the pain.

Mark

You do have some signs of cluster headaches but we cannot diagnose you. It can't hurt to ask your doctor if he/she has ever treated a cluster sufferer. And yes, ask your neurologist the same question and/or does he/she knows a neurologist with training in headaches.
On the left side of your screen is a button "cluster quiz". Give it a try and let us know the results.
Welcome to the board.

On and off for two weeks. It hurts over the sinuses, in the top of my molars, over my temple, in my eye, on the top of my head above the eye and the temple. Sometimes everywhere. Sometimes I would have a burning sensation instead of pain. The headaches lasted 15 minutes to an hour and a half (when I went to the ER).  It moves from place to place sometimes in the same headache. Its on something of a schedule  - 6-7ish AM, 2-3PM, 7PM (almost always around sundown), and 11PM.

I write down everything like this in a journal. I have a rare genetic condition with a lot of little known complications where I have to travel to teaching hospitals so its become helpful to have as much information as possible when I go so I can answer any questions.

Not TMJ, not migraine, not tooth related, not sinus related. That's what I know for sure.

Oh, definitely not looking for a diagnosis! I was just wondering if that was a typical ending for a cluster - you still have the dripping and drooping but less pain.

Edit: The answer to everything from 1-8 was no, 9-15 was yes, 16 was no. When I am in severe pain I try my best to center myself, relax my jaw and focus on my breathing and the mantra "this too shall pass". My last dislocation (elbow) the paramedics didn't believe it was out because I wasn't screaming enough apparently. I unfortunately have a lot of practice dealing with severe pain.

Your results are pointing towards cluster headaches.
I don't think there is a "typical" ending to a cluster. You will need to see a qualified neurologist to give you a diagnoses. Until you can see the doctor you can read under all the buttons on the left. That will give you a lot of answers.
Have ice packs? Heat pad? Gulp down an Energy Drink with caffeine and tuerine, can't hurt and might help shorten the attack.

Kevin, read up on this 123 Days PF it"s in the medication section before I read this I was taking everything the doctors would give me.

Mark.

Certainly it sounds like clusters, Kev, but I'm glad you accept we'd never offer a diagnosis and will always push you towards a headache specialist to ensure it's nothing nastier and so a proper management regimen can be started.

As to a typical end to a cycle? That's really like trying to describe the shape of fire or the taste of strawberries.

For some people it's a gradual tapering of hits and intensity (not with a bang but a whimper) while for others it's a dinkum Kip-10 with all the bells and whistles and then suddenly, unbelievably, nothing at all and life resumes as ever.

I once used a word here which perfectly describes the sensation but a moderator threatened me with expulsion.

Life's an adventure, mate, so welcome aboard as we sail this journey together.

Thanks for all the responses guys!

Do you guys typically go out during your clusters? I wouldn't think of driving till it ended or was managed, but I've been avoiding going out because I didn't want to draw attention to myself.

Keyvin,

My bit of advice, for what it's worth:

Get a formal, trustworthy diagnosis first and foremost.

Read everything you can here about D3,as Mark suggested. Ask lots questions and then try it. Keep your Doctor informed though.

Go out, by all means. Try to keep life as "usual" as possible. Tell people about your CH. Talk openly about it to family and friends, colleagues. Information banishes fear. Also, you"ll be surprised how much support there is out there.

GET THE DIAGNOSIS FIRST.

We're here 24/7...365.

Peter.

Hi Keyvin and welcome

Whilst it sounds like your symptoms are consistent with those for cluster headaches, you really do need a diagnosis from someone with the appropriate skills and experience to do the diagnosis.

Just a few days ago a partner of someone who was diagnosed with CH twice posted (START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE) and it turned out to be something else.

The hard part of the diagnosis is ruling out any other possible cause.

Hi Keyvin,
The advice you've been given is perfect. I second everybody above.

As for an "ending", everybody is unique. Some have increased intensity and frequency in the last week or so and then it stops. While others gradually decrease in frequency and intensity and stop. It's kinda like what Brian described above about asking to describe the shape of a fire or taste of a strawberry ;)

"to each their own on" that one pal. 
Enjoy life to its fullest between hits. ;)

-Gregg in Las Vegas

Hi, and welcome.
As all the others have said, a correct diagnosis is vital as there are other conditions which mimic CH, but they all respond to different meds. It does sound like CH though.

As far as going out is concerned it shouldn't be a problem once you have the right meds.  I have sumatriptan auto injections, and never leave home without them.  If I feel a CH coming on I take a quick trip to the nearest ladies room, use the injection, and it's all over in less than 10 minutes.

If it is CH, the odds of having another episode - 99% - sorry.
Once you've got CH you tend to have it for life, which is why it's so important to manage it correctly.