We really do understand what both you and your husband are going through. But, to help, we need a bit more info: has he been diagnosed with CHs? Is he seeing a headache specialist who knows CHs? What is he taking for an abortive and preventative? That kind of stuff. We're not doctors, but we have some extensive collective experience dealing with this sort of thing. This is a good place to be if you need support and intervening advice. Let us know what's going on with him, OK? Blessings. lance

Yes he has been diagnosed. Is on lithium which helped for a while. Imatrex used to knock it out but has been ineffective for past 2 weeks. He went to a chiropractor and was pain free for a week and that is the longest pain free he has been in years. Often times he suffers 3 or 4 a day, one of which is a horrible (suicidal) one.Someone even suggested drinking vinegar daily and it worked for a while.
I think I have him convinced to see a neurologist. He feels it is all hopeless and a wast of time. The CH surly degrade his quality of life but is also affecting ours tremendously. Thank you for any suggestions. Also, he suffered migraines from age 20 to age 50, then the CH started.ps- he is on OX but that also is no longer working.

camperlynne wrote on Nov 14^th, 2011 at 8:45am:

A headache specialist is very important to rule out a more sinister cause for the headaches.

       Potter

Please tell us where you live. Follow the next line to a message which explains why knowing your location and your medical history will help us to help you.

Cluster Headache Help and Support › Getting to Know Ya › Newbies, Help us...help you
You can add your location by editing your profile. CP Member --> profile
BUT, Please!, don't post your messages at this location. They won't get the attention you want: use the appropriate sections which follow.
=============
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.

Thank you for the input. I do love him and can't stand to see this suffering. I would imagine the pain is as intense as childbirth-any lady's out there who have ch and have givin birth? If so is the pain comparable?
I do know one thing that may help-he needs to quit smoking. I have read that.
Also, when he was 18 he suffered sever head trauma in a motorcycle accident. He was in a coma for 3 days. I often wounder if there is a connection.

camperlynne wrote on Nov 14^th, 2011 at 7:56am:

That is a living nightmare I am also living in high cycle, it sucks and your family NEEDS to be supportive of one another, as EVERYBODY is afflicted, specifically of course the one being TORTURED by the DRAGON!

My job is also in jeapodry-see thread titled "Missing Work", so I relate.

I've concluded my CH's started, at age 11 which was 32 yrs ago, from head trauma. 

Smoking can certainly be a trigger for an attack, but many have never smoked in their lives and get CH's.  I certainly never smoked before my 1st cycle at age 11.

Like Joe said head trauma and smoking may/not be related, just speculation on individual basis.

Screaming, crying, banging head, suicidal thoughts, etc all are perfectly "normal" or typical of intense CH attacks/cycles.

CPAP machine is not relevant to treatment of CH's as low o2 levels have nothing to do with attacks.  The co2 levels, however, have everything to do with attacks and that is why one must hyperventilate 02 to overpower the co2 buildup, which causes inflammation in the trigeminal nerve, thus creating attack/pain.

Seeing a neurologist/headache specialist to rule out some other disorder would be wise.  Also to really review the meds and dosages would be of great importance. 

Sincerely all the best...

Gregg in Las Vegas