I just chug down an energy drink. The combination of taurine and caffeine takes care of a shadow in just a few minutes.

Most of us believe shadows are real and actual low Kip CHs. When you think about it, it makes sense. We're not supposed to have pain where we do have pain, regardless of whether its a screamer or not. So...the best advice I received was to treat even the shadows like I would a full blown hit. Knock back the energy drink right away. Some have found this will dispell the shadows, others like me, have found it generally will not. But...couple that with a round of O2, and the shadow disappears. Untreated shadows may lead to a harsher hit, but they certainly do aggravate and for me, can even kick off a migraine. Hit 'em early and hit 'em hard. Good luck, and God bless. lance

Hi CH.  I'm new to the board.  I'm also an episodic sufferer and going through a spell now.  I laughed when I saw your word "shadow" (not sure if this is a term we all use -- I thought I made that up.  I call them the fog or the shadow myself).  I get them for 2 weeks before a spell starts and/or sometimes intermittently without a spell following.  Which is actually kind of helpful as it lets me start preparing my life for what's to come and get in to see my neurologist.  After years of trying everything under the sun (holistic or toxic) I found something that helps with the shadow.  Definitely, the caffeine rush as someone else mentioned.  The other is the old holistic remedy of capsaicin but I found that taking the capsaicin (i.e., pepper) pills was too harsh on my stomach.  Available at most drug stores is a product called "Sinus Busters" (a chiropractor recommended this).  It blows open your sinus cavities (and capillaries I think) and can help take that pain level down a few notches.  It's a nasal spray and is kind of hard to take (you're snorting pepper) but I've found it to be really helpful.  I try to avoid caffeine too but downing 1/2 a Red Bull definitely helps.  I also try to avoid raising my core temperature or blood pressure too much because I've found that can ratchet up the shadow as well (no hot showers, moderate, non-cardio exercise).

Hey Whimsey!  I don't want to overplay the Sinus Busters -- it definitely won't abort an attack, but it can help with that shadow thing without resorting to some of the more toxic drugs we all have to go on when the full blown attacks are hitting.  And if you're prone to allergies or changes in weather, it can help with that.  As far as capsacian -- I think you can get it in several forms (pills, tinctures, etc.) but they can be harsh on the stomach (you're swallowing a tablespoon or so of red pepper).  The Sinus Busters is a wee bit painful (snorting the pepper) but I've found it's a more immediate relief.  It used to only be available through a direct order or in health stores but recently I've found it at the bigger retailers (usually in the allergy section).  Hope it helps.  At the price, it's worth at least trying.