Hi I'm Malika and im 24 and i live in the UK. Ive been suffering from awful pain in the left side of my head for about two years, they would come and go with huge gaps between. However I had to go doctors recently, I had put it off as I didnt want him to think I was crazy or tell me its just a headache as its not a "normal" headache. Ive been in constant pain almost everyday for the last eight weeks. I cant describe it, I get a kind of burning pressure build up, like someone has stuck a hot poker into my head and I lose the use of my left eye. I cant even open it , also I have a pressure build up behind my nose and it just constantly drips the pain is so intense all I can do is cry and hold my head. Im having about 8 attacks a day and between them im scared of when the next one will occur. Ive been suffering in silence I had told my mum but she just didnt understand and looks at me abit strange when I have a headache. I know shes just worried but it doesnt make me feel any better. Im starting to feel and im sad to say it, like im on the edge. I feel like no one understands me. Some of my so called friends think im making a fuss about nothing, as "its just a headache" but ive never felt anything like it before im not sleeping im cranky and turning into a recluse as i dont want to have a headache outside. The headaches are becoming more frequent and alot more agressive, too be honest I feel like pulling my head off! Theres only so much screaming, holding your head and rolling around on the floor you can do before you start to feel like your going mental :S I was wondering if anyone could offer me some advice, is there anything i can do to ease the pain when I have a attack? Its just I have been refered to the hospital so im kind of left alone to deal with it till I get my hospital date the doctor said asparin may help, is this true? Im so glad I fount this site, I was starting to think I was the only person feeling this way. I just hope someone responds to me.

Thank you

Forgot to add:
Until you get to the neuro READ, READ, READ and ASK, ASK, ASK!
The reason being that most of the time we have to educate our docs about this condition.

malika,
Gizmo has given you some excellent advice.
I also hope you go back to yur Mum with some of what is posted here, so she understands these are NOT your garden variety 'owie-I have a headache', kinda headaches. This is labeled as the worst pain known to man. Be sure, though, CH will not kill you. Please post here with any specific questions you have, and I suggest you keep a diary for awhile, of your CH.
As for aspirin-prolly not gonna help. You really need a Neuro's DX and some 02......and a shoulder to lean on.
I'm so sorry you are suffering, Malika, but really glad you found Clusterville. The people here are wonderful and will really be of great help in sorting this out!
PF wishes to you,
Cathi

Yes Imitrex is the brand name of the sumatriptan injections.
Since Imirtrex is a heavy drug and should only be used twice in 24 hours (ignoring dosage reduction here) it is usually the last resort if all other things fail.