Hello all,
I just discovered this wonderful site, and was hoping I could help fellow sufferers and/or find answers after Google failed. However, before I get to my main issue, I should probably provide a bit more information on myself, as well as my headaches.
I'm a 35 year-old episodic sufferer of CH's. Been having them for over 12 years now. They're definitely related to alcohol consumption; where even limited consumption will set off a month-long episode of 1-3 CH's every day. Regardless of whether I stop drinking, the CH's will continue for the entire cycle. Like the hangover that never ends (although I've never had an actual hangover my entire life).
The cycles seem directly related to the amount of alcohol consumed. Back in my college days for instance, only one week of heavy drinking (roughly 21 drinks) would set off a cycle for a month.
I'm currently on the last legs of an cycle, my last one being 3 years ago on account of simply not drinking in the last few years. I'm half-Asian, and got the Asian Glow (can't efficiently break down acetaldehyde), so I've never really been keen on getting drunk. Thing is - I just discovered scotch last April and I'm loving its intricacies - it also allows me to have a drink socially, and I usually nurse a drink for an hour or so. I knew that "over-drinking" brought a cycle, but incorrectly believed that moderate drinking (<1oz/day) would not set off a cycle. Well it did, although it took about 3 months to trigger one.
As for the headaches themselves, I always thought I had migraines, but was recently diagnosed with CH's by my physician as well as a naturopath. However, my symptoms are slightly different than what is noted on this website's cluster traits/quiz.
My CH cycles last about 1-4 months, with 1-3 attacks a day. In terms of strength and frequency, they follow a bell curve; the strongest and most debilitating of headaches occurring around the 2nd week. When I'm in a cycle, I notice that I need A LOT of water. If I don't maintain a steady intake of water, it will lead to an attack. However, during the week preceding and following the apex, regardless of how much water I drink - I still get attacks.
The headaches are always on the left side, around the temple area, and progress to the left eye/eyebrow. From the moment I feel the "shadow", the headache can progress to full excruciating pain within 10-20 minutes. What differs a bit from other CH sufferers I think, is that I get nauseous and WILL vomit if the pain goes beyond a 6/10. At the apex, an attack can last 3 hours, I vomit around 2-3 times - and I definitely wouldn't trust myself around a gun (I'm sure you can relate). Only during the worst attacks do I get droopy eyelids, runny eyes and nose.
Back in the day, I was prescribed imitrex and its variants, the dissolving type you put under your tongue, as well as the nasal sprays. They worked well, only if I took them immediately at the onset of the "shadow". Miss it by a minute or two and it progressed far too quickly and I'm over a toilet bowl... Furthermore, it seems like the medication only delayed the migraine by 10-12 hours. I was on it for 3-4 months once, and could pretty much time when the next attack would occur. That made me stop taking the meds; yes, I'd have a massive attacks when I stopped, but then the cycle would stop a few days later.
In this current cycle, I happened upon a simple treatment that works wonders for me; bending over and physical activity. I tried finding more information online, but resources kept saying the headaches grow WORSE when bending over or doing activity. In fact, since I have had CH's, I've always avoided bending over because of the initial pressure it caused.
Nevertheless, I always noticed a temporary improvement after throwing up, I now attribute that to increased blood flow and pressure in the head. I also noticed that I never had attacks during physical activity, whether it be sports, yoga, or (actual) dancing. My eureka moment came during an 8/10 attack: I went into a child's pose and started pranayama breathing exercises (I'm a yoga practitioner). I know it's extremely difficult NOT to dance around and move when it's coming on strong. But it worked; the headache steadily decreased and went away after 20 minutes of doing so.
On my last 8-10 attacks, I was able to completely stop the progression of an attack by getting my heart rate up and inverting my head. However, the stronger the headache (i.e. waking up with a 5/10), the longer the regimen has to be.
My regimen now starts with a fold (bending over and touching the toes - looking through the legs). I stay there for about 30 seconds.
I'll then do 15-30 pushups - then go immediately into downward dog for 15 seconds. Throughout the regimen, I find it important to maintain Ujjayi breathing (google it). Completely filling the lungs on a 4-second inhale, and completely emptying the lungs on a 6-second exhale. Repeat as necessary. Doing the above steps will completely remove my headache in about 5 minutes. I change things up by using an ab roller against a wall while standing (works better than if you're on your knees) as well as doing supported hand stands against a wall. Essentially, any inversion will work.
Now I'm positive that this will NOT work for everyone and that a certain level of physical fitness is required. However, I figured I'd share in case it helped a few sufferers. The bonus to this "treatment" is that it's free, and it's also making you flexible and fit!
However, I'm curious as to the mechanism behind it. I'm thinking my headaches are caused by improper oxygenation of the brain, and the physical activity/inversion helps with that quicker than any meds.
When I first started doing this regimen, I was scared that it was only temporary; that it was giving me false hope. However, it works every time and I can't be happier.
Please let me know what you think; and whether this helped in your case.
Cheers, and all the best!
*edit - replaced "episode" with correct term (cycle)
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