Quote:As for the nay sayers,
I am not reading any nay saying, just different opinions.

There is much more work to be done regarding CH research.
Many treatments for CH are migraine hand me downs. CH is not migraine and triptans fail for CH often.Others are beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, psychotropics and many more. There are reported results and failures for all. It is very individual and unique to all of us. Matt posted what worked for him we all have relevant experience that we will post based on that. They will all be different. and the more you know

Thanks for posting that.
Quote:keep in mind the drug of choice with most clusterheads are triptans.
There is no drug of choice for us in my opinion. With this level of pain and the relentlessness of it...there is no choice. Treat it or die. Learn to live with it and control it or die. Study it find what works for you or ....well you get my point.That is my opinion. Get hit with a 16 month episode and your going to try anything.
I have had many treatments work one or two times and then fail. Over the years I have found that you must have an open mind to all treatments or you will fail in the most important battle of your life.

...the battle with CH.
Quote:CH may have other contributors to our pain, but there is a vascular componet involved.
I couldn't agree more and thanks for posting that.

Edit:Here's the way I see it.
What are the causes of Cluster Headache?
The cluster headache condition appears to be caused by an abnormality in the hypothalamus.
The Hypothalamus is the control center of all autonomic regulatory activities of the body. It has been said that the hypothalamus is the brain of the brain. It is the hub for automatic and endocrine homeostatic systems such as cardiovascular, temperature, and abdominal visceral regulation. It manages all endocrine hormonal levels, pituitary gland regulation, blood pressure regulation, hunger and salt cravings, feeding reflexes, thirst, body temperature, hydration, heart rate, bladder function, water preservation, hormonal/neurotransmitter regulation, ovarian function, testicular function, mood & behavioral functions, wakefulness, metabolism, sleep cycles and energy levels.sensory processing, and organizing body metabolism, as well as ingestive behaviors. It appears that almost everything the Hypothalamus does is related in some way to the management of brain and body connection, linking the psyche (mind) to the body.
This abnormality is an extra-thick layer of cells. It is something CH sufferers are born with, although Chiropractors will tell you it is caused by misalignment in the neck or spine. This was one theory, but it has been disproved long ago - so don't waste your money.
Your odd hypothalamus sends scrambled messages to your nervous system, causing vascular constriction and other as-yet unknown effects which cause immense PAIN which is not treatable with any normal pain medicine.
CH headaches are not actually a 'headache' like a migraine or a caffeine withdrawal headache. It is more like a type of direct brain-dysfunction that is more painful and disabling that anyone can imagine.
I hate this condition with a frikkkkkin passion.
all the best
thebb