Posted by Jerry on November 03, 1998 at 07:08:05:
In Reply to: exercise / sex headaches posted by gordon on November 01, 1998 at 12:22:57:
Hi Gordon!
Exercise (in all its forms!) in some cases triggers clusters, and in some helps for clusters.
What seems to clear up this confusing state of affairs, is yet again (forgive me ) bringing the body's water regulator into the debate. Exercise directly influence the body's salt/water balance (sweating), which brings the hypothalamus and preoptic nuclues right back into the picture. I would suggest that by taking in water before and during the exercise, and particularly lots of it immediately after exercise, can perhaps help.
Also, as you know, exercise influence blood pressure, which can trigger clusters without a doubt. Do not start exercising within the proximity of one hour to a time which you know features on your personal cluster time table.
So why does exercise seem to be a remedy for some cluster sufferers? You will remember me speculating about the fact that both diuretics AND anti-diuretics can trigger clusters. Therefor: It is about the salt/water BALANCE. Some of us need to ADD water, some need to LOOSE water. Actually I think that it is exactly this:
The water/serotinin BALANCING MECHANISM needs to be cured eventually, then the body will be capable of RELEASING water when necessary, and to STORE or RETAIN water when necessary.
The debate, however, is ongoing, and at this stage, mere speculation. Lets continue the debate!
Like to hear from you. Regards, Jerry