Cluster Headaches - any other sufferers out there?

[fuzzpig]

At least, that's what I think I'm getting. Very specific point in my head, in bouts every day. Ended up in urgent treatment centre on Friday where I was in tears by the time I got seen. He did lots of little tests and he reassured me it is nothing worrying. Was given diclofenac to take regularly until I've had a few pain free days. Early days yet obviously, so far I'm just drowsy.

He also said to go to my regular GP (not that I really have one, it's a big surgery with locums aplenty) - should I ask about this cluster headache thing? According to DH - a veteran migraineur and pharmacy manager - a lot of GPs aren't really aware it is a type of headache in its own right (distinct from migraines etc) so I don't know if there's any point.

At wits end, would really appreciate some advice

Definitely go and see a GP in order to get some kind of medical management in place for the cluster headaches. I get them,and migraines (lucky me) and have now got adequate treatment for them which makes life much more bearable.

There is some evidence to suggest that cluster headaches can be treated with the same drugs as for migraine (triptans). summaries.cochrane.org/CD008042/triptans-for-acute-cluster-headache

I take triptans for migraines and clusters and they take the pain away in a much quicker and more universal way (sorry that sounds weird but what I mean is that the pain goes, and you feel clear and operational, rather than drugged up with pain relief and a dull ache).

It's worth asking your GP about these and any other pain management approaches. Migraines and cluster headaches are not uncommon and I think if you make it clear you've had to have emergency treatment for them, the GP will take it seriously. You have my full sympathy. They're absolutely hideous.

Thank you for your advice I will make an appointment :)

Have to say the pain hasn't been as bad today - or at least the attacks haven't been as frequent - so hopefully the medication is working.

I am very stressed ATM for various reasons but this does feel a lot more than my usual stress headache. 6 weeks is too long!

I thought I was having cluster headaches too - still don't really know if they are or not.
I keep going through phases of having the most horrendous pain in my right temple, the pain is just horrendous, I can't even explain it - its so bad that it kind of paralyses my face because of the pain, however, at most they last about 15 seconds - which I know sounds like nothing, but when the pain is this horrendous, it feels like a lifetime. I've had awful migraines and these headaches are about 1000X times worse.
I still get it a few times a day, but when I'm going through a phrase of having them more often then I normally have more than 1 an hour - just repeatedly throughout the day.
I eventually went to see my Dr but he said that he didn't think it was anything 'exciting', and said that even if he gave me strong painkillers, the pain would have gone away by the time the painkillers would have had time to work - which I agree with and is why I rarely take anything for the weird pains.

Any advice on what anyone thinks it could be would be greatly appreciated!

Fuzzpig, look at the OUCH website for information about cluster - it has very specific diagnostic criteria, including some of watering/redness of eye, droopy eyelid, runny nose.

Kate Schmate - could it be trigeminal neuralgia?

Thank you for that idea heebie - I've googled and the way that it says the pain comes, is exactly how mine is, however this condition is more in the face than the head. I only ever get it right in my temples - 98% of the time in the right hand side, 2% in the left temple
I am self diagnosing myself with 'trigeminal neuralgia of the temples'

I looked at that Ouch site. I did the interactive test and that said either CH or the paroxysmal thingy - I'm not really sure which as it's hard to tell how long each headache lasts, there is usually a dull ache in between too. I'm also confused about the location - it does hurt around the eye like it says but the pain is also on the side of my head, just above where the arm of my glasses is if that makes sense.

Back to work tomorrow, dreading it as I keep losing focus. TBH though I'm quite glad I have the stronger painkillers as I don't want anyone to think I'm making a fuss over nothing!