Hi,

My husband has been suffering with CH for most of his life. His been on almost every kind of medication with mixed results. I have read some studies recently about success with an SPG block using the Sphenocath device. Has anyone had an SPG block using this new method? I know that the old methods were not very effective. My husband's neurologist (whom we just 'fired' for being totally useless) scoffed when we asked him about it because he was offended that my husband actually wanted to be proactive in finding a solution for his intense, daily pain. The doc just wanted to continue pushing botox which has been ineffective for my husband. Today my husband saw his primary care doc, and he was hesitant about an SPG block because he wasn't familiar with it. If you can share your experiences with an SPG block, good or bad, we would appreciate it! Thanks!

Your situation is a compelling argument for locating a headache specialist--NOT a general neurologist!
=====
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.
=====================================================================
WHY A HEADACHE SPECIALIST IS RECOMMENDED


Headache. 2012 Jan;52(1):99-113.
Cluster headache in the United States of America: demographics, clinical characteristics, triggers, suicidality, and personal burden.
Rozen TD, Fishman RS.

THERE REMAINS A SIGNIFICANT DIAGNOSTIC DELAY FOR CLUSTER HEADACHE PATIENTS ON AVERAGE 5+ YEARS WITH ONLY 21% RECEIVING A CORRECT DIAGNOSIS AT TIME OF INITIAL PRESENTATION.

Update-

Just got the call from my husband's PCP about the 25(OH)D lab results. Not surprisingly, his came back at 17.6!!!  We are starting him on the vitamin D3 regimen tonight!!! I'll post an update in a week.

Blessings,
Crystal