Yes, cluster pain can vary to a surprising degree and move to different parts of your head.

But that's not my immediate concern. If you are truly are "granny"i.e., 50+ I would suggest you work with a headache specialist. The appearance of clusters from middle age on can be a sign of another condition which mimics Cluster but may be more serious.

PAIN clinics are not necessarily the best source of knowledge for headaches. Actually most docs, even neurologists, have low levels of education and useful experience with complex headache disorders.

So, if you have the option:

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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Cluster isn't a simple disorder easily diagnosed or treated. Get with an expert from the start, if you can.

+ 1 here about the headache specialist.

Most rank and file neurologists are actually horribly ignorant about CH.  An actual headache specialist on the other hand can be pretty much trusted for an accurate diagnosis.

Granny, hang around as long as you wish! We have some 8,000 members, most of whom are silent but still, we trust, able to draw some helpful information.