I had 37 cluster headaches yesterday......35 the day before.  Today it went down to two. 

I tell people it feels like someone is carving out my eyeball with a 4" dull knife or it feels like my head is exploding.  Thank god for Dr. Li. :)

All headaches are horrible, Digimint, and we hate 'em just like you do.

Over on the top-left of your screen is a list of buttons and the fourth one down is for the Cluster Quiz. Have a look through it, see what you think, then perhaps we can help you with lots of great suggestions.

We look forward to hearing from you again soon,

Brian.

Hi and welcome. As Brian says, all headaches are horrible.

Are you working with a headache specialist? We have found that most doctors, even most neurologists don't have the skills or experience to deal with complex headaches.

Having over 30 severe headaches a day is an incredible number. I've never heard of someone having so many.

I'd also ask your doctor about SUNCT. This has very similar symptoms to CH, however the main differences is that the headaches are a lot shorter but the frequency is a lot higher.

START PRINTPAGEMultimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or END PRINTPAGE

However we can't diagnose you or confirm a diagnosis.

Keep reading and ask all the questions you can think of.

That is exactly what I had.....short 15-20 second bursts of headaches.....and a lot of them.  I am day 2 with no more headaches/pain behind my left eye.  Dr. Li thinks I was on my way to having a stroke.  Going back Wed for another round of acupuncture.   Right now I feel fine.  Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

-- jim

Is your doctor giving you anything apart from acupuncture?

no.  went for a physical yesterday and got a clean bill of health.  i'm on zero medication.

Has Dr Li discussed with you the many different types of headaches with symptoms just like yours?

You started off believing them to be Clusters, then SUNCT seemed to fit the bill, but there's a couple of other headache syndromes that also qualify and may need a little more than just acupuncture.

Please ask Dr Li about all the other possibilities and be sure to let us know how you're getting on.


We care.

Dr. Li did not discuss the different types of headaches but he knew for sure I was not having a migraine.  He seemed to be the most confident doctor I have ever been to, except for my neurosurgeon who operated on my L4-L5 herniated disc.  He knew exactly what he was doing.  I am going back to see him tomorrow....a 3 hour drive each way.  Thanks for caring.  :-)

I'm glad you're comfortable with the good Dr Li so this is a good time to ask whether you're being treated for a primary or a secondary type of headache.

The difference is really, really important, as Dr Li will explain to you, because some are easily treated and managed while others can be life-threatening.

We look forward to hearing more of your adventure as all the knowledge you share here could be of great help to other sufferers.

We're all in this together,

Brian down under.

Hi Brian sorry for the late reply.  Dr. Li said that it did not matter weather it was primary or secondary.  he said he provides his treatment based on how the body responds to his treatment.  He said it is different for every patient.  This dude knew exactly what i needed.  i haven't had any headaches since.  Going back again today.  i've had 4 treatments so far.

Best,

-- jim

Hi Jim

I'm pleased that you are getting relief.

However there are many possible causes of the symptoms that we see with CH. For primary headaches this includes CH but also ones with similar symptoms including SUNCT and others.

Once you get to secondary headaches, these are caused by something else triggering them and over the years we have seen multiple people post here with them including:

• brain tumour
  
• brain bleed
  
• severe eye infection
  

Whilst acupuncture may have helped you, clearly for at least some of the causes of secondary headaches which are life threatening other medical interventions are the most appropriate treatment.

Thanks Mike....I had a CT Scan so it is not a tumor.  I don't think it is an infection......or brain bleed.  I went all of April without any headaches and now I just got 2 of them this morning however not as severe as before but both lasting about 10-15 seconds.

30+ headaches a day, last for 10 to 20 seconds, headaches stopped after acupuncture treatments? To me it doesn't sound anything even close to cluster headaches. Possibly seeing a neurologist trained in headaches is to thing to do. Try looking up lightning headache or ice pick headaches.