Posted by drummer (216.28.41.194) on October 18, 1999 at 14:28:20:
In Reply to: Need your advice for my autistic son with cluster headaches posted by Bill DeBauche on October 18, 1999 at 13:54:44:
First of all you have my up most respect and admiration for sticking by your son.
Depakote and Neurontin are both anti-seizure medications. Ask your son's doctor about Topamax. Topamax is also an anti-seizure medication used for both epilepsy and Cluster Headaches. I DON'T know if it can be mixed with Depakote and Neurontin though.
"Banging head", Teary eye", "Runny nostril" and "Pacing" are signs of Cluster Headache. Intense pain is of course another sign of Cluster Headache. Having a "negative" MRI and Cat scan is often normal for patients who suffer from Cluster Headaches. Imitrex injections often "work" as an abortive within 15 minutes or less to abort a Cluster attack when given quickly.
In terms of the various anti-seizure medications that you have mentioned; I have tried all of them. I have had success with each of them at fairly high doses. I'm 20 years older than your son, 6 foot, 170lbs.
I wish you a great amount of luck to you and your son. Hope this helps.