My name is Linda, I'm 46, I'm terrified and mostly freaking out.

At about 1:15 this afternoon, at work, I had the worst sudden and severe headache I've ever had. Stabbing pain behind my eye. It terrified me. I came very close to having the receptionist call 911, thinking I was having a stroke or something. Instead, I kept an icepack on my eyes and forehead, wiped the dripping tears and nose, took prescription Vicodin, prescription Motrin, and aspirin. And prayed like crazy for the pain to stop. After about an hour, it did. I was left thankful but drained, feeling numb, and unable to focus on my job. Then I Googled.

Google can be very scary, but also a very good thing. I've never heard of 'cluster headaches' before today. I Googled "sudden severe headaches". I read the symptoms. I went to the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Sure enough - sagging eyelid and uneven pupils (along with wiping my dripping nose and eye for the past hour or so). I freaked out and verified the sagging eyelid and uneven pupils with not one, but four coworkers...I needed witnesses to this scary thing that was happening.

Then I sent an email to my doctor. He wrote back and said to go to the ER for diagnosis. Here's the thing...I'm a new employee, and my medical insurance doesn't kick in until January 1st, three days from now. So, I didn't go to the ER. Instead, I went to my scheduled phyisical therapy appointment after work (I've been going several times a week due to a car accident November 17th). Dr. Babb confirmed that, yep, congratulations, you have a 'classic cluster headache'. He saw my uneven pupils, my lethargy after the 'attack', and obvious lingering pain and fear.

I'm very scared. I don't WANT to be a 'Clusterhead'. I'm scared that I'm not strong enough to face years of CH. How did ya'll start? Did you freak out? How do you cope? I'm sooo scared that I can't handle it!!!

I stumbled upon this CH support group site. I'm very GLAD that such a site exists. At the same time, I'm TERRIFIED that such a site NEEDS to exist...I'm sure you 'Clusterheads' know what I'm trying to say.

Thanks for 'listening'.

Linda

      One headache and you have clusterheadaches?

          Kinder gentler Potter

Potter is a man of few words, Linda, but yes, it takes a "cluster" of these headaches over a period of time to be classic cluster headaches.

There are many conditions that can mimic CH, so it is bet to have a good neuro check you out, and also to get an MRI to rule out anything more sinister. 

Keep track of how often each attack occures, and how long it lasts.  A good record will help with the doc to dx you correctly.

Keep us posted as to how things arecoming along ok?

Ya, what they said. Get to the neurologist and dont freak over one headache. Proper diagnosis is critical.  If you have CH then deal with it. Pray you dont. Here's a hug just in case
all the best
the bb

It's very, very important to rule out other, potentially dangerous conditions.

I’m not a doctor, but I can certainly understand why your Doc wanted you to go to ER. Think about it, 46 years old, rapid onset of unexplained extreme head pain accompanied by uneven pupil dilation, followed by lethargy………….

Follow up on this as soon as possible to be darn sure that it isn’t something else.

Best,
Marc

Hi Linda,

You have been given some good advice.  It is a good idea to have yourself checked out by a doctor.  We all had to be certain that what we were experiencing was not something more serious than CH.  Sometimes, one may wish that it would, but CH will not kill you.  Not to scare you, but other conditions might.   It truly is imperative that you be seen by a professional. 

The term "Cluster Headache" gets the name because the headaches come in clusters.  One can go for months or even years without any pain and then the headaches start everyday, often several times a day.  Sometimes it is at the same time and sometimes it can vary.  It took a while for mine to follow a clear pattern.  I however, ALWAYS had them in clusters.

I do understand your fear.  I hope that this was a one time thing.  If you are still feeling the after effects of yesterday, I would encourage to seek medical attention to rule out any dangerous conditions. 

Please keep us informed..... as said before... we do care and will be here to offer support and any advice that we can.

Jeannie

And something else you must always keep in the forefront of your mind.  Not ALL doctors are Headache Specialists, and not all neuros are headache specialists.

One of the downsides of "Cluster Headaches" having a little more familiarity in the medical community, is that in many circles it's become a DX set forth from a doctor who has possibly read a quick blurg somewhere.

Many of the meds that we take could be seriously harmful if taken for another headache type or other condition totally. 

As Chuck said, a history of other headaches is not a history of Cluster Headaches. 

No matter if you have another one or not.  PLEASE get checked out.  And keep us posted.

Yes...this is the best place to learn how to cope and about the latest in CH progress.  Watch out for the snake oil vendors and the trolls however.  There are people out there who have nothing better to do than to try to profit or get their jollies off our pain.

BigTexasMom wrote on Dec 31^st, 2008 at 12:41am:


Not at all, Linda. You got a headache, headaches hurt, and you're seeking information.

You're doing everything right, darlin', and we're on your side.

Linda,  you may want to try the Red Bull now to take care of the "sick" feeling you are having.   If it is CH, what you are feeling may be a shadow.   I continue to have the droopy eye, ect. in between hits. 

PF wishes,

Jeannie