Posted by Lillian Marti (206.99.218.240) on May 25, 2000 at 12:29:13:
I am a female sufferer of cluster headaches for 15 years. I was diagnosed for the first time after 10 years of suffering by Dr. Alexander Mauskopp,neurologist from the NYC Headache Center. He is using an experimental treatment: magnesium shots (no side effects, read the literature!!!). Five years ago I got the first magnesium shot as part of the experimental group, the "cluster" disappeared completely for a whole year, then the second year, I got the magnesium shot again and the cluster disappareared again for another year, etc. Then I moved to another country, got the one cluster once but did not get a cluster for two years until this year. I found one doctor who was able to provide the magnesium shot and but this time it has not worked that well, I believe that it is not because of the magnesium but because of my particular physical contidions at this time. He also used muscle relaxant shots in the accupresure points in the neck and temples, this really helped!!! For the first time, this new doctor prescribed "phrenilin forte" for the pain and it is the only medication that has worked for me and stopped the pain. It allows me to function, as I write this, am in the middle of my cluster period which started last week. Phrenilin slows my motor functions and vision is not that good but it STOPS THE PAIN!!! which is like a miracle, as you can imagine and I do not have to be bed ridden for three weeks!!! I strongly recommend magnesium, it might work for some and it was initially great for me as it stopped the "cluster" period for a whole year! Good luck!!!