Gammacore
#1
Mon, 25/05/2026 - 11:39
Gammacore
Hi
I am an episodic cluster headache sufferer but seem to be moving towards chronic as I don't get many days of relief anymore. I have been given the gammacore device to try and have been using it for the last two months- 6 minutes in the morning and 6 in the evening but haven't noticed much difference. Is it unlikely to work for me at this point or is it worth persevering for longer? I also noticed some people are using cold packs on their head. I haven't tried that. I'm taking verapamil and sumatriptan injections. Also oxygen. The injections are brilliant but I sometimes have 3 or 4 attacks a day. Any advice would be welcomed
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S N Ashmore
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Hi Sally.
To the best of my knowledge, the Gammacore device is an abortive, same as the Sumatriptan and Oxygen. Your consultant should have given instructions on how to use it during an attack.
Ice packs may help some sufferers, I personally find ice annoying during an attack. Cold running water during onset can work for me, but that may be because my CH is triggered by heat, some sufferers are triggered by cold.
Thanks Phil. No instructions were provided except by the company themselves who advised using it as a preventative measure. Other than the day to day attacks mine are also triggered by heat and also if I do any exercise. Even going for a walk can do it. Thank you for your advice
S N Ashmore
Hi Sally,and sorry you're suffering so badly. Ask your GP if he is prepared to prescribe Frovatriptan tablets. It works very well for many people who are in need of a pain break. This medicaction has a half-life of 26 hours and probably the reason why it works so well. Many people use it when they are going on holiday to give themselves that precious pain-free time. You may think that this medication is a silver bullet for CH - sadly not. The longer you take it,the less effective it becomes,and its important to stop taking them as soon as the attacks start breaking through - or you run the risk of them ceasing to be of further use in the future.
Please remember that 1 tablet is equal to 1 injection - so no more than 2 triptans in a 24 hour period. As always,what works for one doesn't necessarily mean it will work for another,but i wish you the best of luck.
Colin Allen
Vice Chairman
Hi Colin
Thanks for your advice. The numbers of attacks have now increased to 5 so I'm feeling pretty tired. I'm working through increasing my verapamil but as you know it's not a quick process. I've got my next ECG booked in a week. I still have a job but have been managing with a combination of injections and oxygen but I'm feeling really fed up now. I will talk to my doctor and try what you have suggested. Many thanks
S N Ashmore