Posted by gary g (208.133.217.160) on August 20, 1999 at 13:11:47:
In Reply to: If it feels like a cluster..... posted by Tim M on August 19, 1999 at 20:15:35:
sorry - but can't let this one slide by
the "if it feels like a cluster" approach is extremely dangerous
ALWAYS get straight to at least 2 qualified MDs, preferably neuors with CH experience, and get a solid diagnosis, be sure they include all the bells & whistles to rule out other problems
if they start using the word "migraine" in any way OTHER than a comparison, go elsewhere, ASAP
unfortunately, one of the fundamental diagnostics for cluster is the overall pattern, over time - so an instant CH diagnosis at first sign of attacks is VERY dangerous - many other SERIOUS problems resemble CH in pain level BUT WILL KILL YOU if you let them slide
one of the few "good" things about CH is that it is probably the only thing that hurts this bad that won't kill you !!!
CH should ONLY be accepted as a diagnosis after everything else has been definitely ruled out AND the occurrence pattern is proven to be within the general collective epxerience of longterm CH patients
anything less & you're playing Russian Roulette
Cluster Headache isn't a "club"
Cluster Headache isn't a broad-definition term like cancer
it is a very specific ailment, granted with variances in individual symptom patterns, but
still a specific condition-
the "if it seems like CH, it must be CH" idea is incredibly dangerous
it IS comforting to think you have a name for a puzzling new affliction, but to self-diagnose based on only the tip of the iceberg is asking for serious trouble
PLEASE DON'T DO IT !!!!!!!!!