Cluster headaches

[BettyHarper]

Does anyone have experience of cluster headaches? My DP had a sudden throbbing pain behind his eye and around his temple at the start of the week. It comes and goes through the day and night. Went to GP who diagnosed cluster headaches and he’s taking codeine/paracetamol and ibuprofen which he says is helping a bit. His eye looks very red and weepy, and the area around his eye is very swollen. He says the pain is dull and throbbing, but from what I have read about cluster headaches the pain seems extreme and unbearable. Can cluster headaches be mild? He has no appetite and has pretty much been horizontal since it started. How long do these episodes last for typically? He is never ever ill, so it’s a little worrying to see him like this.

My DH suffered from when I met him at 21, his were very bad, leaving him rolling round on the floor in the dark, eyes watering, excruciating pain behind one eye. He seemed to have them bad for around 2/3 weeks, then they’d go away for 2 years and then repeat. Medication over the years did improve, there is better medication than your DH has been given, so press GP either for more suitable medication and to be referred to a specialist, which GP should do anyway. My cousin also has them and is on daily medication, as she was suffering daily.

The medications for cluster headaches are high flow oxygen an sumatriptan.

I've just been referred to neurology for mine. They are dull but very painful. Once the intense pain goes I'm left with a dull pain for hours. I get loads for a few weeks, then a month or so of respite, and repeat.

Gosh your poor husband. My partner’s pain isn’t at that level. It’s good to know there is better medication available, will make sure to get that next week if things don’t improve. Thank you.