We have a number of folks in Canada. I'm sure they will identify themselves an say "hello".

The injection is sumatriptan, known as Imitrex (brand name) in the US. Extremely effective and fast.

Would strongly encourage you to locate a headache specialist for care. Many docs, even neurologists, have inadequate training/experience with Cluster. Too many people have wandered around for years trying to get good care until finding the right doc.

Sending a long article to give you some basic information and would suggest that you explore the buttons (left) starting with the OUCH site--both sources will give the foundation to benefit you.
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Cluster headache.
From: Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or (Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases)
[Easy to read; one of the better overview articles I've seen. Suggest printing the full length article--link, line above--if you are serious about keeping a good medical library on the subject.]

Leroux E, Ducros A.

ABSTRACT: Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache disease characterized by recurrent short-lasting attacks (15 to 180 minutes) of excruciating unilateral periorbital pain accompanied by ipsilateral autonomic signs (lacrimation, nasal congestion, ptosis, miosis, lid edema, redness of the eye). It affects young adults, predominantly males. Prevalence is estimated at 0.5-1.0/1,000. CH has a circannual and circadian periodicity, attacks being clustered (hence the name) in bouts that can occur during specific months of the year. ALCOHOL IS THE ONLY DIETARY TRIGGER OF CH, STRONG ODORS (MAINLY SOLVENTS AND CIGARETTE SMOKE) AND NAPPING MAY ALSO TRIGGER CH ATTACKS. During bouts, attacks may happen at precise hours, especially during the night. During the attacks, patients tend to be restless. CH may be episodic or chronic, depending on the presence of remission periods. CH IS ASSOCIATED WITH TRIGEMINOVASCULAR ACTIVATION AND NEUROENDOCRINE AND VEGETATIVE DISTURBANCES, HOWEVER, THE PRECISE CAUSATIVE MECHANISMS REMAIN UNKNOWN. Involvement of the hypothalamus (a structure regulating endocrine function and sleep-wake rhythms) has been confirmed, explaining, at least in part, the cyclic aspects of CH. The disease is familial in about 10% of cases. Genetic factors play a role in CH susceptibility, and a causative role has been suggested for the hypocretin receptor gene. Diagnosis is clinical. Differential diagnoses include other primary headache diseases such as migraine, paroxysmal hemicrania and SUNCT syndrome. At present, there is no curative treatment. There are efficient treatments to shorten the painful attacks (acute treatments) and to reduce the number of daily attacks (prophylactic treatments). Acute treatment is based on subcutaneous administration of sumatriptan and high-flow oxygen. Verapamil, lithium, methysergide, prednisone, greater occipital nerve blocks and topiramate may be used for prophylaxis. In refractory cases, deep-brain stimulation of the hypothalamus and greater occipital nerve stimulators have been tried in experimental settings.THE DISEASE COURSE OVER A LIFETIME IS UNPREDICTABLE. Some patients have only one period of attacks, while in others the disease evolves from episodic to chronic form.

PMID: 18651939 [PubMed]

Hi Mark, you have found " the place to be "

There are so many people with years of experience and pain saving knowledge. Stick around and read what is available and ask all the questions you have.

Check out your PM's. Happy to help if I can

All the best Iddy

Hey mark,

Spent a few days rocking and crying on the side of the bed myself. So no you are not alone.

Crazy aint it? Bet you never thought you would find someone who understands let alone knows what it feels like. Sorry it took us so long to find you, but we got ya now...

Coach Bill

Yes, how annoying is it when someone says "oh, I suffer with migraines too, I had one last week!" I feel like punching them (and I'm not a violent person)!!

Caron

Welcome.  Stop the pain meds!  Good luck!