Chronic Cluster Headaches

Executor

Welcome to Healthboards. Many here have a wide variety of experiences, thus, can offer lots of guidance and support.

I get cluster headaches as part of the overall face and head pain that I have. I tried all the non narcotic stuff as well, and none of it worked with a hoot. The only med I didn't try was Lithum that some wacky Dr wanted me to try. I refused.

Luckily, I had a very compassionate ENT who treated my pain for quie some time (before being referred to PM). I started with hydo combination meds then moved to the big guns later, which I'm currently on. They work well. I take oral morphine and oxycodone for BT.

I would keep pushing the Doc for something stronger, or referral to PM. You probably just need stronger meds. No one I've came across can actually give me a "reason" for cluster headaches, which is very interesting in itself. Some say they may be hormonal, some say they are vascular, some say it's food related. What have they told you?

Regards,

Ex

arlynsmith

I read that oxygen can help so, not having access to oxygen, I simulate by intentionally hyper-ventilating (mildly). It has worked wonders for me - instead of a headache taking a full hour to resolve I can clear the pain in a few moments. The full cycle still seems to take the full hour so I often have to refresh my over-oxygenation two or three times before the thing stops trying to return.

Executor

Very interesting....I'll have to try it. Thxs for the tip!

Regards,

Ex

arlynsmith

Follow-up: Qucik breathing worked well three times then for some reason stopped. I have gone to sumatriptan nasal spray and it works well for now. Sure wish I could find something that did not require the insurance company to pass judgement on me.