Hello everyone:

I'm so happy to have found you all, as I have been suffering with what I think may be cluster headaches going on 2 weeks now.  I am hoping, based on my symptoms, that you experts can help!

I am 66, and have always suffered (off and on) with headaches....mostly allergy/sinus related.  This new headache is totally different, though.

1).  At first I thought it was sinus related, as the pain was above my left eye (always has been), and my left nostril was stuffy/leaky.  Tried Sudafed, Sinutab, smearing Vicks on my forehead along with warm compresses and breathing in Vicks vapors from a steaming pot.  No help.....

2).  Secondly, I thought the pain could be referred pain from my neck/shoulder area...as neck pain/tenderness would accompany the headache.  I would try to find the tender areas and massage.  No help.

3).  Lately, I am afraid to go to sleep, as the pain wakes me 3-4 hours after falling asleep.   Last night, it was unreal.
At 4 AM, I got up and paced (no way could I fall back to sleep, as the pain was ridiculous!).  Got an icepack (no help) and then, out of desperation, searched for some 50 mg. Percocet (daughter had surgery in July), took one and, within 1/2 hour or so, it took the edge off, made me drowsy, and I fell back to sleep.  Within 4 hours, the pain woke me again.  This time, I took 2 Anacin and microwaved the cold/hot pak and placed it at the base of my skull and at my temples.....and, finally got some relief.

4).  Besides the pain/pressure at the  base of my skull, I get a stabbing pain....on both sides, above both eyes.  Last night, my head felt like it could explode with pressure.pain

I am no stranger to pain and have a fairly high tolerance. For me to break down and take a narcotic pain reliever is saying a lot.....altho the Percocet didn't really help.  It just made me drowsy enough to fall asleep.

As I said, I'm afraid to lay my head on a pillow tonight and just might sleep in my recliner in a semi sitting position.

Does this sound like a cluster cycle?  As I sit here typing, this headache is buried somewhere in my head...ready to strike full force.  Help!

Any input would be so appreciated!  Thanks for reading!

Onset of new headache picture at 66 must be regarded with some concern. There are many disorders which hit us from middle age on which mimic Cluster but whlch can arise from non-headche disorders and, some of which, are serious.
======
See:  Not to scare you but to motivate to take action.

Link to: cluster-LIKE headache:

IN: "Medications, Treatments, Therapies --> "Important Topics" --> "Cluster-LIKE headache"
========
Given the potential complexity of new headche situations at our age (I'm 77), would be important, if at all possible, to find a headache specialist.
--
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.
======

IF you can't locate a HA specialist:

1. AVOID pain clinics. Their professisonal training/orientation is not useful for headache.
2. If you must use a neurologist: ASK, very clearly, what their experience & taining in headache has been. It's shocking how little education this group has received in headache. Unless a doc can assure you of special training and/or experience with headache, look some more.

BUT don't try and diagnose and treat yourself!!

Thanks so much for the responses!

I have an appointment with a neuro at a Headache Clinic here!

Totally agree with what others have said in seeing a doctor who specializes in headaches. Whilst it could be CH there are quite a few other causes that need to be considered.

If it is CH, you've found a great place to learn so much about it from people with years of experience.

Keep us updated with how you get on.