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Message started by Tona on Jan 17th, 2016 at 2:25pm

Title: Questions about Cluster Experiences
Post by Tona on Jan 17th, 2016 at 2:25pm
My husband has been having progressively worse headaches since November.  Because he has neck issues, we thought it probably had to do with arthritic changes in his neck.   His pain management doctor tried two different procedures which did nothing for the headaches.   He just started getting full on nauseated this week with vomiting.   The pain has gotten so bad that nothing is working.  We were finally referred to a neurologist who suspects cluster headaches but my husband has a family history of aneurysm so we are checking that first before he can even start any medications for the clusters.   I've done a lot of reading trying to see which makes more sense: cluster of aneurysm.   From what I can see at this moment it's a coin toss but I wanted to ask others who have experience with cluster headaches.  His right eye drops and basically the entire right side of his face is droopy.  He also complains of numbness and a 'pins and needles' sensation on his face as well ( all one sided where the pain is).   He is nauseated now without even having a headache in the moment.   He is so fatigued he can barely function enough to walk from our bedroom to the living room.   Does this make sense to anyone else?

Title: Re: Questions about Cluster Experiences
Post by maz on Jan 17th, 2016 at 5:11pm
Hi, and welcome.
Does it make sense? Yes and no.  We all know what it's like to be so worn out with clusters that we can barely walk. 

The symptoms you describe - droopy eye, numbness, pins and needles - could all be symptoms of clusters. But there are other conditions which could also present the same. That's why it's absolutely vital to get a proper diagnosis.  Your husband should also have a scan.

Follow Bobs advice on your other thread for the best way to find a competant headache specialist.

Title: Re: Questions about Cluster Experiences
Post by Tona on Jan 18th, 2016 at 8:58pm
Well he has a clean MRA so no aneurysm, thank god!   He has a head MRI with and without contrast on 1/26.   For now, the plan is a steroid pack, topamax, and Imitrex auto injectors.

Title: Re: Questions about Cluster Experiences
Post by maz on Jan 19th, 2016 at 4:01am
A few people have side effects with initrex auto injectors, but as long as he can take them, they are brilliant for CH. They will stop the worst cluster in 5 - 10 minutes.  I never leave home without them - they are my new best friend.
Glad the scans were clear.

Title: Re: Questions about Cluster Experiences
Post by goaway on Apr 11th, 2016 at 11:34pm
Welcome!  Sorry to hear of his troubles.  Just stay with him. Accept when he is not himself, and eventually the two of you will come to a better understanding of this ClusterHead life.  I'm up in Blue Ridge.  Onset was 12/87.  Lived with the beast up until approx 3 years ago when I went PF (pain free).  However, even though I am at least 4 years outside the top age for the average sufferer to have CHs (males - 18-52), I began having them again.  It has been going on now for approx 3 weeks.  Feel free to ask as many questions as you want.  All of us here have been able to continue through it all in large part because of each other.  Don't be shy.

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