When you have a complex medical history, as you relate, it makes any clear Dx of the headache rather difficult. There are a number of disorders which appear to be Cluster but which are not. Sorting the wheat from the chaff requires a set of skills (in complex headache disorders) which are hard to find in the average doc.

If you have the option, suggest you look for such a specialist.
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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. 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.

6. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.
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And whether or not you have clusters, the amount of binge drinking you describe is just bad for you. I get you're partying but listen to your friends. I can't think of any headache that is made better by alcohol, certainly not that much as you describe, and if you do have a ch, we have found alcohol to be a certain trigger. Not saying you can't have a drink now and then, although many of us stay away from it in cycle, but I am saying you are a little overzealous in celebrating your recent majority. Just some friendly advice. God bless. lance