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. (This will add your location, just below your name, every time you post a message.
==================================
When you report meds used: please include the specif med and dose and how long used.
----------
Is your doc trained and experience in treating headache disorders. Large number of doc's have little training and often outdatec experience; this true even with Neurologists.

Cluste is not a simple disorder to diagnosis: there are dozens of problems which mimic Cluster but which are not headache disorders, hence, need for skilled doc.

So, wold encourag you to ask you doc about his training and experience. If can't satisfity your then,

==
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.
=================

It surely is confusing for a new soul to get involved here. It's so common, and easy, for us to offer our ideas, treatment advice, etc. as "the best". Cautious skepticism is not a bad stance to have as you read until you can confirm validity of claims/advice.

Re. doc finder lists: the advantage of the sources I listed is that they are regularly updated vs. lists of personal recommendations. Someone's personal recommendations may support the professionally sourced lists but they are not substitutes.

Finding hope? I can promise, sweetie, it's people like you who give us hope!

Our greatest weapon in fighting this monster is knowledge, and here you are seeking all the information you can get so as to help one of our ClusterMates.

Around here you're called a Supporter, and our Supporters are Gold.

I think I love you.