Has this been happening regularly? Does it happen in a pattern? Like, will it leave and then come back months or years later? It may be a cluster. Does one eye leak? It could also be an Atypical Migraine which look a lot like clusters but they happen once for a specific period and they don't come back in a pattern. For me, the pain can change where it is. One time it will be behind the eyes, the next across the whole cranium. I would try massaging your neck and shoulders, to relieve tension. It may help. Best of luck to you.
-Chanae

Good on you for doing your homework to start attempting a diagnosis. The internet is great for getting you going in the right direction. That being said, get a referral to a qualified headache specialist neurologist. Much of what you describe sound spot on for cluster headache. It also sounds like a tumor! I say that not to be flippant, but the reality is the head is a scary, complex thing! Sudden onset head pain is something you want an expert to do a work up on. There's a good chance what you're describing is CH. Which makes it all the more important you get to a good headache doc. If it is CH, it lasts a lifetime, the sooner you're working with someone who knows what they're doing, the less pain you'll suffer in the long run.

Wishing you some pain free time soon.

joe

If you plan to stick around, please:
It will help us to direct you to good sources of assistance if you will tell us where you live (city & state, if U.S. or country). At the Home page: Help button-->Edit & Profile --> Location.
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Headache is not a simple problem. Far too many types and another large group of disorders which mimic headache. Really need a specialist, if at all possible, for most docs lack real training/epxerience in headache.

LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. 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.

2.  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.

3. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or ; On-line screen to find a physician.

4. 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.

5. 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.