Hi, I've been having these headaches about once every six months for the last few years, first one I went to A&E as I honestly thought I was having a stroke! had 2 in the last 6 days now with the one last week being the worst I've ever had, temperature dropped to 35.3 celcius and nothing would shift the pain. They always start like I've just sniffed pure menthol through one nostril. I wake up and the side of my face is freezing and the pain is coming in 3 second waves. The ones last night went after about an hour and went fast so I'm managing today. Just wondered if all this sounds familiar to you all?

Joe,

Welcome.

We are not Doctors and so cannot diagnose. There are a number of headaches that mimic CH in some ways, but with different causes.

You need to get a neurologist who specialises in headaches to run a number of test and give you a formal diagnosis. Until you know what the cause of your pain is, you cannot begin to treat it.

Most CH'ers spend years suffering before they look for a formal diagnosis, myself included. Don't waste all that time. Do it now.

In the meantime, if you look at the tabs on the top left of this page you will see "Cluster quiz". Do that and let us know how you get on.

Also, what Meds are you taking, if any?

To help you find a headache specialist, could you let us know where you are in the world?

All headaches are horrible and whether yours is Cluster or something else, we are here to help.

Mind yourself,

Peter.

Took the quiz, answered yes to all but one on question 8 onwards, I'm in the midlands, UK. I currently only take paracetamol when I get an attack, although they are starting to be less effective. The back of my eye hurts today, just starting to feel like it never actually goes away.

Hi Joe and welcome

As per Peter's post, you need to work with a headache specialist to diagnose what the cause of your headaches are. We can't do this.

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That is the website for the CH organization in the UK, they also have a helpline number you can call. They can help guide you through the process to get a diagnosis through the NHS.

There are also a few UK based people here too who will be able to give some local advice.

To help the diagnosis, start a headache diary recording when you get the headaches (time / day), what the symptoms are, how long they last, what you took to try to treat them and any possible triggers.

Keep us updated, we've all been through the experience of working to get a diagnosis.

Thanks for that, will start a diary next time I get one. No headache last night so that's a plus! Thanks for your advice.

Joe,

Below is a sample of a typical Headache Diary template.

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Peter.

What they said. ^^^^ We want to help, but have unfortunately learned it is better to wait until you have a firm diagnosis with CT scan and MRI/MRA to rule out something more nefarious. You have us behind you, and just as soon as you know for sure what you are dealing with we'll do all we can to guide you.

All the best,

jlc