firefly59 wrote on Apr 21^st, 2009 at 4:59am:

First order of business is to find a good headache doc. Many neurologists, to whom we have been referred, have little training or experience. IF you can't locate a specialist (below), then never go to a new doc without asking sharp questions about their headache experience.
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LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Search the OUCH site (button on left) for a list of recommended M.D.s.

2. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

3.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

4. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or ; On-line screen to find a physician.

5. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or Look for "Physician Finder" search box.  Call 1-800-643-5552; they will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.
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Explore the buttons (left) starting with OUCH and the many internal links you will find there.
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Here are two lists of meds most often used today. If your doc isn't working from this menu, likely a good sign he isn't up to speed.
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Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or

Here is a link to read and print and take to your doctor.  It describes preventive, transitional, abortive and surgical treatments for CH. Written by one of the better headache docs in the U.S.  (2002)
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Michigan Headache & Neurological Institute for another list of treatments and other articles:

Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or
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Get back to us with your history and any specific questions you may have.

The 'all in your head' opinion is more common then you think.
A GP (not my regular one) even sent me to see a psychiatrist.
When I arrived there, he had complete admission forms ready!
It didn't take him very long to toss those aside and give me the
advice: 'You're better of seeing a good neurologist.'

Lottie

welcome,

        Clusters suck!!  So i hope this makes you feel a little better knowing i got them too. Now you also get to see you really arent alone.As far as the head into the wall thing, try a ice pack on your eye next time, I never tried it lol... but it has got to be better than the smashing your head theory. Try to write a poem or a song, it will bring you some outlet.

                             Coach Bill