Pre headache signs
#1
Sat, 14/01/2017 - 14:33
Pre headache signs
I have only just joined this forum, so forgive me if this has been asked before.
Whenever I am in the cycle of attacks (I get them 3 yearly for 6 weeks), I am always pre warned of a headache starting by a series of small clicks in my sinuses. (that's the only way I can describe it). These usually start about 10 minutes before any pain, and are quite useful in that I can start taking pain killers so that they are beginning to work when the real pain starts.
I have only met a couple of fellow CH sufferers and they had never experienced this.
Anybody else?
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Hi Rob I cant say i have noticed anything like that , as for painkillers what are you taking as most normal ones won't even touch a ch
Ian
Hi Ian,
At the start of a headache, I usually take Ibuprofen or soluble Solpadeine. It's a bit of a lost hope really as I know they won't have a lot of effect. Sometimes, I just try and force myself through on these measures though, with a lot of pacing up and down and groaning, if not screaming!
The reason for this, is that I don't want to run out of Sumatripan injections. I'm told 2 a day max, although I get 6 headaches a day usually, and I have taken more than 2 a day before now out of desperation.
I've only just joined this site, so I have probably missed out on a lot of alternative treatments and so look forward to reading up on new developments. I'm now about 5 weeks into the cycle, so hopefully 1 more week and it will go away for 3 years, but I'm not sure now as the cycle seems to be changing.
Hi Robmac,
Ibuprofen and Solpadeine will have no effect whatsoever on a CH attack. What about oxygen? There is a HOOF (Home Oxygen Order Form) on this site under resources and downloads that you can print off and take to your GP who adds yours and his details and sends off to your local oxygen company. Oxygen with a 100% mask (non-rebreather) at 15 litres per minute can abort a CH attack just the same as the injections, but many times a day, there is not a limit on the attacks per day you can treat. So with Oxygen and injections you have an arsenal to treat every attack!
take care
Liz
Thanks Liz.
I was given Oxygen at the hospital once, and the headache did indeed disappear. At the time, I recall thinking that it may have worked, or by the time I got to the hospital, it was fading anyway. I suppose the only way to tell is to take it regularly.
I will download the form and visit my GP as you suggest. Trying to tough it out on painkillers is pretty soul destroying, and I'm not sure that I could keep it up much longer!
Thanks again
Rob
Hi Rob,
I cant use Suma injections but what I found quite helpful to take the edge off was 900mg of DISPERSIBLE asprin a couple of times a day.alongside the Verapamil/Topamax/Candesartan I was taking at the time. My neuro was quite happy about this and I didnt overdo it. Obviously I'm not a medical professional ,please check with your GP before starting any new treatment etc etc etc...
NB: You CANNOT do this if you are on Lithium. I am now on Lithium, and re-experiencing the full world of pain again.
O2 can be very helpful too, so do push your GP for that.
Miss KB
MissKittyB.
Thanks MissKittyB,
Blimey, 30 years a sufferer and I've really no idea of what treatments are out there! I've never heard of Verapamil, Topamax, Candersartan or Lithium as treatments. I've only ever been offered Imigran in tablet form or a Nasal spray, or Sumatripan injections.
My first 2 bouts, 3 years apart went undiagnosed. I was sent for various scans, eye pressure tests etc. but nobody could tell me what was wrong with me. I then moved house and during my third bout, my new GP said "Ah, classic Cluster Headache symptoms".
I then went onto the treatments I have listed, and resigned myself to the fact that this is all that is available.
I think I need a chat with my GP again!
Thanks again
Rob
You seriously need an appointment with a headache specialist Neurologist to sort out treatment but your GP can help if you download the nice guidelines on the treatment of clusterheadaches from this site and the part filled HOOF for your GP you should be able to make a good start
hope this helps
Ian
(zanycheff)
Will do Ian and Thanks.
I only had 2 attacks yesterday, both (fairly) mild and none overnight or since. Not counting any chickens, but hopefully this episode is coming to an end.
I'm a bit miffed that I have not been referred to a Neurologist or specialist before now, usually my GP appointments are met with a sort of vague understanding of the condition, and a sort of 'grin and bear it' attitude, perhaps I should have pushed more myself, but even when I've been taken into hospital, it just seems that they want to get rid of you rather than refer you once the groaning dies down!
I think the fact that I have survived for 30 years with the condition (although episodic) sort of goes against them worrying too much!
I will book in with my GP shortly.