Posted by BobG (208.19.116.69) on June 26, 2001 at 13:39:44:
In Reply to: I'm new here (M) posted by Niki on June 26, 2001 at 13:03:58:
Sorry Kate is hurting. She's lucky to have a sister that cares enough to search for answers.
Here's what I think but I'm not a doctor and can't make a diagnosis.
"the pain will last for days with no relief. Is this common is a cluster headache?"
No it is not common. Cluster pain will come on suddenly and last from 15 minutes to 3 hours and then quickly stop.
"Imtrex doesn't help, and it can sometimes make things worse"
This is very unusual for cluster pain. Most CH sufferers find relief with Imitrex.
"Her nuroligest (sp) has her on antidepresents."
Antidepresents only? To me this sounds like a strange way to treat cluster pain. Antidepress meds are usually prescribed in combination with other drugs to fight ch pain.
Has she had an MRI or CT scan done. God forbid anything is found but it can rule out other causes of the pain.
Maybe a different neurologist with more knowledge can help Kate.
There is a lot of information under the buttons on the left side of the screen. Have Kate take the Cluster Quiz and read the Cluster Traits.
Look all around this site.
To sum up, IMHO, but I'm not an expert, I don't think it is cluster headaches.
We'll see what others here have to say. Come on folks! Please help this lady and her sis.