New to Cluster headaches (and here)

Welcome to OUCH, sorry you need to be here.

You'll want to have your GP refer you to a Neurologist that specialises in headaches: If you give the helpline a call on 0800 6696 824 they'll be able to find your nearest suitable Neurologist.

You're right about Sumatriptan: The BNF and NHS website state not to give oral mediction. You should ask for the subcutaneous injection or nasal spray.

Episodal Cluster Headaches do stop as suddenly as they start, but can last for weeks or months.

You're in good company.

Thank you for the info.  I will book to see my own GP, saw a locum last time, with luck my GP will refer me.  The pain is off the scale sometimes I seem to get them early each morning they wake me up at 6am,  very kind of them. I pray they will stop as life is miserable with them.  

High flow, 100% oxygen is an abortive that many sufferers swear by. All the information you or your GP need is Here  under our Get informed section.

There are a few medicines that can reduce or stop the attacks from occurring, a course of Verapamil is one common choice.

Personally, I would prefer to consult with a Neurologist I trust when it comes to treatments, but Sumatriptan and Oxygen are both good options easily available until your referral.

Has anyone taken Amatryptaline, the old anti drepressant tablet that they found stops nerve pain?   My attacks seem to be happening in the early hours and often wake me up in the morning.  I see my GP in a couple of weeks time I hope he refers me.

Amitriptyline doesn't  relieve CH, but can help establish a sleep pattern: The idea being that it will enable the sufferer to sleep through nocturnal attacks.

I take Amitriptyline and I can confirm it helps with my sleep pattern but sadly doesn't stop bouts from starting and continuing in my experience.

Welcome to the community and  be assertive with your doctor. Ask if there is a headache specialist at your surgery. I found one and after years (literally) of trying I had oxygen in a week and it has been a life changer.

Thanks for answer re Amitriptyline.  I get to sleep fine except I wake up with a cluster.  I am hoping after monitoring them for longer they will go away and come back along with my migraines.  But I do want a CT scan. Somethings not right my balance is off too. I have a new young GP so with luck he'll help me.

In my experience, Doctors don't usually suggest a referral to a Neurologist. Be sure to ask for one.