Cluster Headaches

Question: What is the best way to deal with cluster headaches? I have been getting them for years, but I recently connected the symptoms, frequency, and duration to possibly being cluster headaches. I will see a doctor on Monday, but I would LOVE any suggestions. I have already tried the dark room, cold/hot rags, etc.

Answer: If your headaches are extreme migraine severity but unilateral (on one side) then they likely are cluster headaches. These are generally characterized with the earmark symptoms of a drilling or throbbing pressure behind one eye or ear, tearing eye, sensitivity to light/sound etc, blurred vision, nausea and/or sweating from extreme pain, a drooping eyelid on the affeted side, and even a bloodshot eye.(I personally always get a bloodshot rearing eye on the affected side). Firstly, You should rule out all other possibilities with an MRI scan. If that comes back okay, you can discuss options with your neuro. For management long-term. here are some suggestions that have worked for me. Make sure your posture isn't hunched over and your neck isn't strained, that's a big one that's often overlooked and understated. Also make sure you aren't grinding your teeth, or that your jaw has too much tension. This may sound cliche, but I found my cluster headaches were due to TMJ, which was caused by a spinal scoliosis, but my own hypertension and stress while sitting caused the scoliosis over time, and also neck and jaw tension, which subsequently triggers cluster headaches. For ongoing symptoms, you need to find what works best for you.. Usually powerful pain medication is the last resort option for people for obvious reasons as they want to avoid addiction. Many chronic migraine sufferers find relief with oxygen therapy, eg:small tanks or cannisters with oxygen masks. I've seen forums where many extol the virtues of oxygen therapy use. I personally use Excedrin Migraine, guided meditation, or (believe it or not) a bite of a Habanero chili pepper. The heat from the Habanero bite stimulates an endorphin rush which often aborts my cluster headache. The tradeoff is a really hot mouth for about two minutes until it naturally wears off. The capsaicin level needs to be significant though (a few drops of specialty extreme hotsauces work as well *eg: Blair's or Dave's) I've also found that controlled deep breathing, relaxing, and neck and shoulder massage can work just as effectively. The idea is that once people have their headaches the inclination is to stress further which often exacerbates the headache and prolongs it. Sometimes for me, just finding a peaceful place to sit alone, "letting go", finding a "Zen" place, relaxing my breathing, and visualizing my blood vessels and nerves going from a dilated state to smooth and normal, while massaging the back of my neck is all I need. The imagery can be icy waves washing over a hot coal until it turns blue and dissipates. It just depends. The key is too find the ability to relax though, after years of suffering cluster headaches I've learned that stressing the state you're in makes it worse, while "letting go" and finding peace can normalize blood vessel tone. The key is to be able to do it In the throws of a cluster headache and all of its crippling pain. If you cannot manage that method, you should try alternative aborting methods such as huffing pure oxygen, a bite of a Habanero, or Excedrin Migraine tablets, Cluster headaches are said to be in the same family as migraines in that they originate from the same place but manifest themselves slightly differently. Whether it's oxygen therapy, Excedrin Migraine, Habanero Chili Peppers, Guided Meditation, or all of the above, I'm fairly certain one or all of the things I've mentioned would work for your cluster headache.. Good Luck.

Question: What Should I Do About My Cluster Headaches? Experiencing cluster headaches since Monday. I called the doctor's office and they said I won't be able to see the doctor until February 11. What should I do? Nothing I take eases the pain. Is there something that I can maybe buy over the counter?

Answer: Caffeine may help. Another thing (I get cluster headaches) that helps sometimes is peanuts if you're not allergic to them. There's an enzyme in them that helps with headaches. I don't know how or why, but it was recommended to me by another nurse and I've used them ever since (and I HATE peanuts!). Ibuprofen with a cup of coffee may help some but if it gets too bad, a trip to the ER isn't out of order so you can get some relief until you can see your doctor. Let them know how bad the headaches are, keep a journal, and let them know that you can't see your doctor until February so if they give you a script, you will have enough medication to last until your appointment.

Question: Does anyone know what foods are good to eat for cluster headaches? Because I can't take these anymore? I have been getting cluster headaches for about 10 years now, and let me tell you it is the most painfull thing ever. Is there anyone out there that has these also?

Answer: It's not what you SHOULD eat but what you need to avoid. The book at http://clusterheadachecure.com has been a great resource to me.

Question: Can anybody tell me what type of herbs can i use for cluster headaches. WIZ23? Please looking for a cure for headaches (cluster headaches not mi grains). There is a difference in the two headaches.

Answer: You gave me the wrong e-mail address. I tried to write you back and it would not send. Herbs for headaches: Bromelain{Found in pinapples-ant-inflammatories} ,MSM{Found in certain foods in small amounts-anti-inflammatory and given to racehorses for same reason and found in some joint formulas},Feverfew{Not for people on blood thinners because it thins blood like garlic} Now imagine what might happening. There is an artery in the brain that gets inflamed and presses on the nerves so this non-drug anti-inflammatories helped me. The drug ones have warnings to make things worse in the long run. Write me instead of giving your e-mail so I can just reply.My e-mail is dukster21@yahoo.com.

Question: Cluster headaches please help before they totally ruin my life? Im suffering from cluster headaches and am at the moment enduring a long period of attacks. I can get as many as three a day and always one in the middle of the night - which wakes me up in absolute agony. Im scared to go out of the house because the pain is too unbearable and I never know when its going to start. When I go to sleep I just know Im going to wake up in the most terrible pain and the tablets wont help because the attack is already well underway. Problem is that Im starting to get really depressed about it - Im married with kids and I have to keep myself normal and working and together for them - but its becoming too hard for me. How do I just keep it all together?? Please if there are any cluster sufferers out there I need you right now - help me.

Answer: I suffered from cluster headaches in pretty much the same way you did and got no help from the doctors. They said they were migraines, but whatever they were they were dibilitating. This is not to scare you, but I had a brain hemorrhage and after the surgery......brilliant......NO headaches. They said there was no connection but something rectified the situation. Just recently through some new drugs I was prescribed (read my 360o) they began again but this time I was literally on the floor with the pain begging for help.This time even morphine didn't help and only made me sick. Luckily it was me that made the connection between the drugs and the pain and I told the doctor I wanted to come off everthing but the bare essensials. It worked and now I'm pain free again. Sending you a hug because I know how desperate you become. One thing I did find helped me and this sounds insane but it worked to a degree. I bought a super power charged vibrator (Toshiba Magic Wand) and used in on my neck, pulse points and anywhere it seemed to confuse the pulsing pain that went straight into my brain stem. I also went to see a chiropractor who released all tenseness that came with the pain I also had a fantastic massage afterwards. This really seemed to work. I don't know your age, but I do suggest you have your blood pressure checked and TELL your doctor you want these cluster headaches investigated by a specialist because you can't function. Don't be afraid and write a diary because any specialist will want to see if there is any pattern also include your food intake. It's boring but exclude the obvious first. Sometimes you don't realise how much this affects you until you are pain free. I for one feel so damn happy to be rid of these headaches and I wish the same for you. By the way if the vibrator doesn't work on your head you have a perfect excuse for putting it to use elsewhere Good luck Misha

Question: Can someone give me advice on cluster headaches? I've had this recurring headache since March. I think its' a cluster headache but I'm not sure. Almost every day as soon as I wake up, at work. I can't find any over the counter medications that will work. It's always on the left side at the temple.

Answer: If you think its cluster headaches consult your doctor. There is medication that can be taken at the onset that will stop it in it's tracks. A cluster headache comes on fast and is so painful you can't function during it. If your functioning it is most likely not a cluster headache. Pain on one side could indicate a jaw problem (see your dentist), a neck problem (see a chiropractor) or just plain stress (try a massage therapist). Your best bet is to start with your MD to eliminate anything serious and go from there.

Question: I was exposed to bleach & chlorine gas, now I'm allergic to bleach and have cluster headaches, Anybody else? After a massive inhalation accident involving bleach and Rydlyme in an enclosed space I now have cluster headaches and the slightest whiff of bleach gives me a really bad headache within two minutes. Smoking cigarettes is no longer an option, as it results in a headache within a few minutes, some of them last several hours and are extremely painful.

Answer: M hmm!! and have you had blood pressure checked? since this accident? Chlorine poisoning usually results in heart damage. High blood pressure can lead to headaches of the migraine type. Excellent reason for not smoking!!! That might even help me to quit! Suggest you go see a cardiologist for complete work up!

Question: Anyone else suffer cluster headaches or know about them? Every 6 months or so, my father is stricken with cluster headaches. He will have on the average 3 episodes a day, and they last about 15 minutes. This will go on for about 3 months then they just quit. The pain of these are so intense he's actually begged my mom to kill him to stop the pain. Does anyone out there have any ideas how to minimize the agony while these episodes are occurring? He's on several meds for this condition, but nothing seems to help much. What works for you?

Answer: I never have heard of them but here's these site's. Sorry it sound horrible :(

Question: Any ideas how to cope with 'Cluster' Headaches? I tend to suffer from headaches and migraines but for the last 10 days I have been waking up with a headache. I was once advised by my GP that it could be Cluster Headaches. Has anyone got any info on that please?

Answer: Yes, go to a doctor who can treat you properly. I have had migraines and cluster headaches for 20 years, now there are so many new 'great' meds on the market, it is a shame not to use them. They are great, non addictive and deal only with the head pain. If your GP has no knowledge of this, ask him to send you to a neurologist. Honest, it is wonderful to have no pain. good luck to you

Question: Has anyone heard of cluster headaches and if so can someone please tell me why they happen ? My husband suffers with cluster headaches and he suffers very badly from them. Do cluster headaches go on for days at a time and then suddenly stop. What causes them and what is the best cure? Thanks for your help.

Answer: The exact cause of cluster headaches is not known. Many experts believe that cluster headaches and migraine headaches have a common cause that begins in the trigeminal nerve, a nerve that carries sensations from the head to the brain and that ends in the blood vessels that surround the brain. Other experts link cluster headaches to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain. Either explanation would account for the periodic nature of the headache.People with cluster headaches usually receive drug therapies. These treatments may be classified as abortive or preventive. Abortive treatments are directed at stopping or reducing the severity of an attack, and include: Inhalation of high-flow, concentrated oxygen Injection of Depo-Medrol Imitrex injection Dihydroergotoamine injection and ergotomine tartrate tablets Zomig, Zomig-ZMT, and Zomig nasal spray Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT Axert Deltasone Preventive treatments are used to reduce the frequency and intensity of cluster headaches and improve the person's quality of life. Preventive drugs include:Blood pressure medications, such as beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers,Antidepressants ,Anticonvulsants, Periactin Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such asNaprosyn ,Sansert Calan, Verelan, Covera-HS Eskalith, Lithane, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs Surgeries including nerve blocks, ablative neurosurgical procedures and radiosurgery have helped some people with cluster headaches. Nerve blocks involve the injection of pain medicine into or around a nerve or the spine. Ablative neurosurgical procedures are operations that involve the removal or destruction of a part of the brain, the spinal cord, or a nerve. Radiosurgery, a type of surgery that uses radiant energy and does not involve cutting, recently has been used to provide a less invasive alternative for people who have persistent cluster headaches.Some people with cluster headaches have been helped by alternative or complementary therapies such as chiropractic, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, and herbal remedies. NREMT-P

Question: cluster headaches? I feel like I am running out of options with the treatment of my cluster headaches, nothing seems to work. I have tried everything from ergotamine to deseril with limited success, I have also tried drinking lots of water, icing the back of my neck and lavender and peppermint oil. What are some other (preferably natural) remedies that I may not have tried?

Answer: I used to get those. They make you want to just vomet. I also had hypoglycemia and asthma. I took glyconutrients, phytonutrients and phytosterols. No more disease no more headaches for good. It's been six years of freedom. Listen to my story here: http://www.glycostory.com/mannalive

Question: What can I do or take when my cluster headaches cause me to have a panic attack? The worst part is the panic I dont like to loose control & id be willing to do anything to stop the panic. i would however prefer natural over the counter remedies

Answer: I know the feeling. I don't have panic attacks really, but if I'm a long way into a cycle, especially before I was treating it, or if my meds arent working for a couple of weeks I get worn pretty thin. During the attack itself I'll be willing to do anything to get through it, and don't know how I'll ever make it. Then, the next night I don't want to go to sleep and after long enough of doing that, it gets a bit panicy. If I was prone to panic attacks, I'd see how this could be a huge problem. The two things that come to mind for me are simply controlling each aspect of the situation as individual problems that have solutions. The headache, and the panic attack. Getting through the cluster fast, and/or reducing the severity of it will help. Understanding that it's not an underlying disease causing the headache, and that as bad as it feels, that IT alone will not hurt you in any way, may help to calm you from having the attack. Also knowing that it will go away as fast as it came on may help. I try to visualize it peaking and then slowing getting better and then washing out of my head all together. Try taking caffiene, moving around, breathing deeply... if you have access to Oxygen ... USE IT! It will calm you and kill the pain really fast. If you have access to meds for the headache, take them. The caffiene might have a drawback in making you panic more, though, and OTC pain relievers will do nothing, so avoid them completely. As for the panic attack... take deep, long breaths. Drink some water... try to occupy yourself and distract in the process. Maybe some mindless repetitive task that makes you use your hands, and your mind doesn't need to think but is going on/off, on/off for whatever you are doing, like putting something together, taking it apart, and repeating... something simple. The last suggestion is talking to a doctor. Even without insurance, going to a doctor at a clinic for free and explaining may help. A perscription for Oxygen may be a great remedy for you. It's not too expensive, it is natural, and it helps people with CHs a lot, and may help prevent it from causing a PA. There are other non natural medicines that can help you a lot too for the CH like imitrex, verapamil, and more intense things like lithium. I'm sure similar things exist for the PA as well... so finding a balance of what helps with the lowest amount of side effects, and striking the balance of helping you vs. not taking more non-natural stuff than you need is key, but you need to work with your doctor on it. Lastly... keep a diary/log combo. Every day write down everything you consume... every drink, piece of food, medicine, cigarette, cigar, drug, everything. Keep track of when you fall asleep, and wake up for the night, naps, everything. Write down when your headaches start, and when they end and how bad they were... and details of how they came on and went away. Do the same for the panic attacks. This will be theraputic as well as provide a way to chart when your CHs are hitting with a pattern, and when they are being triggered by outside sources outside of that cycle, as well as potential triggers that show why sometimes they are really bad and why other times not so bad. This may also show when it causes a PA to come out of it vs. when it doesn't. It can also help to isolate the best tactics for medicine/treatment options.

Question: Aside from sleeping, what can I do to ease cluster headaches? I feel like pulling my eyeball out! For you Fez: Brielfy and abbreviated from Wikipedia... Cluster headaches are extremely painful, unilateral headaches of a piercing quality. The duration of the common attack is 15 minutes to three hours. Onset of an attack is rapid, and most often without the preliminary signs that are characteristic of a migraine... Though the headaches are almost exclusively unilateral, there are many documented cases of "side-shifting" between cluster periods, or, even rarer, simultaneously (within the same cluster period) bilateral headache. The degree of pain involved in cluster headaches is markedly greater than in other headache conditions, including migraine. It has been described by female patients as being more severe than childbirth. The pain is lancinating or boring in quality, and is located behind the eye or in the temple... An analogy frequently used to describe the pain is that it is like a red-hot poker inserted into the eye.

Answer: dime the lights and get off the computer

Question: i am taking topamax for cluster headaches how do you get rid of the tingling? what are you taking or doing to get rid of cluster headaches?

Answer: Gatorade works, bananas work. I don't really mind tingling though so I really don't do anything any more; but then I have a mild case of tingling since I also take Lisinopril for blood pressure. That's another suggestion: if you are on any kind of b.p. medication, a switch to Lisinopril might do the trick. (Can't help you on the cluster headaches; I take Topamax to prevent migraines and it does a great job of that.)

Question: I recently have had a return of Cluster Headaches does anyone know of any new methods of controlling them? I am trying Imitrex and strong coffee but I am looking for something different to mabe stop them all together.

Answer: There's WAY too many options to answer here. Maybe check out the book at http://www.ClusterHeadacheCure.com which I've found to be an awesome resource. I think the 2008 edition just came out so it should be fresh stuff. If you've got clusters you gotta have this. But in short, Imitrex is a great abortive but not a preventative, which is crucial. There's a section on meds.

Question: Does anyone have experiances with cluster headaches? Can you explain how they are for you, and when and what happen please.

Answer: well, i was diagnosed with a CLASSIC Migraine..and having cluster headaches is a usual thing for me, that is if i have a migraine attack. it is a headache that lingers for several days, sometimes lasting up to three days straight. it often starts at the temple then goes around the forehead and down the nape. i feel this head ache when either of the following occurs: a. there is too much bright light around or; b. the area is too dim and my eyes are forced to focus on some thing or; c. there is heavy noise or annoying sound like too many people talking loudly all at the same time or; d. smelling obnoxious odors or strong perfumes or e. fatigue and stress the following are the things that happen when i have cluster headaches: a. i cannot see clearly, everything is hazy b. i get cold sweat c. i get nauseated, dizzy - feels like spinning d. i totally black out e. blood pressure rises. at the onset of the head ache, i try to relax, and immediately take the prescribed medicine. sometimes i put ice over my head and i close all the lights.