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Cluster Headaches
I can appreciate the difficulties and pain associated with Cluster Headaches. My most recent cluster started April 3rd. and since then I have only had one day without a headache.
When I see a pattern developing, I start on Inderal LA and Elavil. I increase my dosage over a period of days until I reach a point when the episodes level off in frequency, intensity and duration. I usually have more a break by now which means I have probably developed further tolerance to the meds. I may need to see a neurologist and discuss an alternative approach.
One of the things I need to be careful about is diet. When I am having clusters - which seems to be around seasonal changes - I need to be careful about my diet. Aged cheeses, fresh bread, processed meats, caffeine, red wine, etc. These foods contain tyramine and are known to act as triggers in people who are susceptible to cluster headaches.
These headaches are debilitating and more distressing than common or classic migraine headaches. Have you ever felt like you had to sneeze? You know that intense feeling that can build inside the nose? It feels like you have to sneeze really badly but the sneeze doesn't actually occur. Consider that sensation and multiply it extremely to the point of agonizing pain in the affected nostril. You might feel a cool stabbing pain around the eye socket. Tearing may be noticed along with blurring, drooping of the eyelid, and twitching on the affected side.
Cluster headaches are often mistaken for sinus infections or severe sinus headaches because of the closeness in symptom characteristics. The pressure in the area of the eye, scalp, face, and temple can be extremely painful and persistent. I find it even hurts to talk and breathe sometimes. Light sensitivity can be significant and some folks feel nauseated to the point of vomiting during the most severe ones.
The really severe ones make you think you are going to die and quite frankly not caring if you do. They are that painful! If a person has never experienced headaches, they have no clue what one of these are like and how debilitating they can be.
When I have clusters, it takes a lot out of me. I need more rest. I need to cut back on stressful events. I need to step back and remove some of the demands and pressures that keep me running on adrenaline.
It is not always easy but I find that even a little bit of change on my part can make or break the cluster cycle. A couple of years ago I had a severe cluster that lasted 3 months. I had headaches predictably during that time and once I got my meds up to therapeutic blood levels, things calmed right down.
I stay on my meds until I am without symptoms for 7-10 days. Then I slowly cut back on my meds until I am off of them. And when I am fortunate, I will go months or years without any significant problems and no need for meds.
I hope you are having a pain free day!
Related Topics: Preventing Severe Migraines, Herbs, Stress Reduction and Other Alternatives
Technorati Tags: migraine, cluster headache, pain management
When I see a pattern developing, I start on Inderal LA and Elavil. I increase my dosage over a period of days until I reach a point when the episodes level off in frequency, intensity and duration. I usually have more a break by now which means I have probably developed further tolerance to the meds. I may need to see a neurologist and discuss an alternative approach.
One of the things I need to be careful about is diet. When I am having clusters - which seems to be around seasonal changes - I need to be careful about my diet. Aged cheeses, fresh bread, processed meats, caffeine, red wine, etc. These foods contain tyramine and are known to act as triggers in people who are susceptible to cluster headaches.
These headaches are debilitating and more distressing than common or classic migraine headaches. Have you ever felt like you had to sneeze? You know that intense feeling that can build inside the nose? It feels like you have to sneeze really badly but the sneeze doesn't actually occur. Consider that sensation and multiply it extremely to the point of agonizing pain in the affected nostril. You might feel a cool stabbing pain around the eye socket. Tearing may be noticed along with blurring, drooping of the eyelid, and twitching on the affected side.
Cluster headaches are often mistaken for sinus infections or severe sinus headaches because of the closeness in symptom characteristics. The pressure in the area of the eye, scalp, face, and temple can be extremely painful and persistent. I find it even hurts to talk and breathe sometimes. Light sensitivity can be significant and some folks feel nauseated to the point of vomiting during the most severe ones.
The really severe ones make you think you are going to die and quite frankly not caring if you do. They are that painful! If a person has never experienced headaches, they have no clue what one of these are like and how debilitating they can be.
When I have clusters, it takes a lot out of me. I need more rest. I need to cut back on stressful events. I need to step back and remove some of the demands and pressures that keep me running on adrenaline.
It is not always easy but I find that even a little bit of change on my part can make or break the cluster cycle. A couple of years ago I had a severe cluster that lasted 3 months. I had headaches predictably during that time and once I got my meds up to therapeutic blood levels, things calmed right down.
I stay on my meds until I am without symptoms for 7-10 days. Then I slowly cut back on my meds until I am off of them. And when I am fortunate, I will go months or years without any significant problems and no need for meds.
I hope you are having a pain free day!
Related Topics: Preventing Severe Migraines, Herbs, Stress Reduction and Other Alternatives
Technorati Tags: migraine, cluster headache, pain management
