Migraine & Cluster Headache?
I'm 19 and had been diagnosed with migraine for quite a few years. The doctor prescribed me with 100mg Imitrex but it still doesn't manage to help me much. I tend to have few attacks per week and since few weeks ago, I always have headache on one side of my head/face that doesn't seems like the one that I usually have before. The pain comes suddenly and it also affects my eyes. Does this sounds like cluster headache?
I haven't tell anyone/ go see a doctor regarding to this problem. Definitely not going to tell my parents since they always think that I'm exaggerating about the pain. I'm wondering if it is possible for someone to suffer from both migraine and cluster headache. And to those who also suffer from migraine, how do you manage your life, cause I don't seem able to live life normally with this illness, plus the severe food allergies that I have. Hope someone could give some insights, thanks.
Public Comments
1. A cluster headache is one of the most painful types of headache. This uncommon condition often produces severe pain that occurs within minutes.Cluster headaches are characterized by a sharp, penetrating, or burning pain affecting one side of the head. The pain often appears suddenly with little warning and often occurs in and around one eye or in the temple. The excruciating pain related to a cluster headache is often compared to the sensation of a hot poker being stuck in the eye. Others compare it to the feeling of the eye being pushed out of its socket. The condition may also produce a number of other symptoms including tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion.
According to the National Headache Foundation, cluster headaches affect less than 1 percent of people in the United States. About 85 percent of people affected by the condition are men, according to the American Council for Headache Education.
Cluster headaches differ from other types of headache because they occur in cyclical patterns (clusters). This type of headache occurs repeatedly every day at the same time, usually several times a day. One to four headaches a day is average. These frequent attacks may continue in a series of weeks or months (cluster periods), with each individual attack lasting an average of 45 to 90 minutes. Typically cluster periods last from two to 12 weeks. However, they can continue for more than a year. The temporary relief between attacks in a cluster period may last for a number of hours or continue for as long as a day.
Take a look at some additional information at the link below. I think you'll find it helpful!
http://pain.health.ivillage.com/headachemigraine/clusterheadache.cfm
2. Son, who have you seen for the problem? It sounds to me like you need to see a neurologist. There is a medication called Topomax that helps with migraines but it is used for seizures and it is a last resort. If you have not seen a neuro then you need to have your family doc send you to one. Sorry about your parents, people who have never had to deal with migraines just don't understand. Hope you are better soon.
3. Zach, you will never live a normal life unless there is positive interference. You really need to go to a Headache Clinic, where the doctors specialize in cluster headaches, migraines, and all other types of head pain. Your regular GP cannot really help you. You need a headache specialist, and you need to convince your parents of this. I have a friend who would lie in bed with the lights out and a wet towel over her eyes... for as long as three or four days.... because of migraines. Finally a specialist found the right combo of medicines that work for her... one of which is a medicine given to epileptics. Don't give up hope... but do get help.
4. you may need to switch to a different preventative medicine and migraine relever. You might also want to watch what you eat. foods with tyramine in them can cause migraines especially in people who are already susceptible to migraines. since your 19 if your under your parents medical still you can contact your GP to get a referral to a neurologist and make an appointment without your parents permission. Just be sure to have your health insurance card or their insurance information. Good luck. Here is a link of foods containing tyramine.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_foods_containing_tyramine
http://www.pccnaturalmarkets.com/health/Diet/Tyramine_Free_Diet.htm
5. You can have both. My doctor put me on Imitrex the nasal spray and it doesn't seem to work very well.When I get migraines it does effect my vision, my left side of my head throbs and my jaws tighten up. I have no idea how else to cope with it. I usually take two Fiorecets and two Benedryl and try to sleep through it. You need to tell your parents because you might need a CAT scan. My brother was having severe headaches and found out he had a brain tumor that had been growing since he was about 16. You should be concerned for your peace of mind and your parents. Good Luck controlling your migraines and if you find out how to get rid of them let me know.
6. There is a new development in migraine therapy:
http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr_feb04_foramen.html
7. There is help try this! Have you tried a Chiropractor for help? You can have undetected nerve compression and it can cause many health problems. Try having your spine examined by a good chiropractor that believes in the power of our central nervous system. Your brain controls every part of your body threw nerve transmissions and if nerves are compressed you body will start to malfunction due to the lack of nerve impulses. Your central nervous system as well as the American diet has a lot to do with the conditions that people suffer from. Most doctors don't even understand our central nervous system therefore they don't know how to properly address conditions with out medications when nerve compression could be the root cause. I know the power of it because I was set free from chronic nerve pain and many other health problems after my spine was treated from a good Chiropractor (his goal was to straighten my spine) without medications. Oil base b vitamins also may help a lot. A lot of problems are also do to vitamin and mineral deficiency problems that doctors are unaware of. Don't ever give up hope, pray for Gods guidance and he will help you find the answers as he did for me, I wish I had enough room to tell you my whole personal story!
8. Unknown to many, migraine and other forms of headaches is a sign of dehydration. The brain gets 85% of its energy source from water. It is for this reason that the brain is immersed in a fluid called the cerebrospinal fluid. When a person gets dehydrated unknowingly from decreased intake, and from regular intake of dehydrating substances like coffee, tea, sodas, chocolates and alcoholic beverages, the volume of water being supplied to the brain also decreases. When there is lowered energy source, pain is caused. This is a warning signal of impending cause for a disease. When dehydration occurs, the body releases a neurotransmitter histamine. When histamine gets attached to a nerve, it stimulates the pain receptors causing pain. So the best way to prevent histamine will definitely be proper hydration.
Proper hydration means taking adequate volume of water...not any fluid. Water is what the body needs and not any other fluid. The method that I usually recommend is: First dissolve 1/4 tsp sea salt to 1 quart of water. Salt holds water and so when taken together with water, it retains water in the areas where it is needed and so hydrates the tissues adequately. Take the salted water as follows: Depending on ur size, take 16-24 ounces upon waking up in the morning, 8-16 ounces half hr before meals, 8-16 ounces 2 and a half hrs after meals, 16-24 hrs at bedtime. When passing out urine, replace the lost water with 8 ounces of water. If ever U develop swelling in the feet, stop the salt for abt 2 days then resume the salt when swelling subsides.
No drug will treat or correct a complaint caused by dehydration. Only water will. U will note that ur pain comes and goes and it is because of this reason. So start hydrating urself asap and get the relief U are searching for. Definitely avoid coffee, tea, sodas, chocolates and alcoholic beverages because these will worsen ur condition. Believe me it works.
If U cld have access to magnesium take 350 mg daily. Magnesium is a good mineral to correct any forms of migraine. I had seen it work within a minute after its intake. Take the liquid preparation because it works faster.
