help!! does anyone know of a Cluster headache specialist anywhere in the United States?

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a friend of mine suffers from cluster headaches. he says its the most unbearable pain you can go through. He has searched the net for specialists in this field. I too have looked. Please does anyone know of a Doctor who can help. Has anyone gone through this and found a doctor that helped you? I need help!!
the only dr that helped me was a dr that insisted I give myself my own sumatriptan shots . they dont have anything as of yet to prevent them dont have enough research on the issue . I think the ama might be able to help your friend go to their website it is www.ama.gov and they might be able to help you . good luck .  (+ info)

What is a cluster headache? And how common is it??

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Symptoms are usually said to be pain on only one side of the head, now is there a cure for it?
Cluster headache sufferers typically experience very severe headaches of a piercing quality near one eye or temple that last for fifteen minutes to three hours. The headaches are usually unilateral and occasionally change sides.

Cluster headaches are frequently associated with drooping eyelids, conjunctival injection (which results in red, watery eyes), tearing, constricted pupil, eyelid edema, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sweating on the affected side of the face. The neck is often stiff or tender in association with cluster headaches afterwards, and jaw and teeth pain are sometimes reported.

The location and type of pain has sometimes been compared to a "brain-freeze" headache casued from rapidly drinking or eating something very cold, also known as an "Ice Cream Headache,"; this analogy is limited, but may offer some insight into the cluster headache experience. Persons who have experienced both cluster headaches and other painful conditions (childbirth, migraines) report that the pain of cluster headaches is far worse, sometimes 100 times more severe than a migraine [1]. One analogy is that of a burning ice pick being repeatedly stabbed through the eye into the brain. It has been reported as the most severe pain known to medical science, worse than amputation without anesthetics.

Some have reported partial relief from narcotic pain killers, but the frequency of their use in a cluster cycle (1–8 or more times a day) often disqualifies them from use and they are mostly ineffective due to the intensity of the pain involved in cluster attacks. Anecdotal evidence indicates that cluster headaches can be so excruciating that even morphine does little to ease the pain. However, some newer medications like fentanyl have shown promise in early studies and use.

Medications to treat cluster headaches are classified as either abortives or prophylactics (preventatives). In addition, short-term transitional medications (such as steroids) may be used while prophylactic treatment is instituted and adjusted.  (+ info)

What pain medications are most effective for migraines and cluster headaches?

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I either have 2 autoimmune conditions or one systemic one. The verdict is still out. Anyway, I have severe stomach pain and also eye pain and horrible headaches that feel like a cluster headache. Maybe they are a really bad migraine. I am not sure.

What medications, specifically in the opiate family, would be most appropriate? Which one would you ask for if given the choice?
I also have a chronic health problem and with it, severe headaches. I have tried everything from opiates to seizure-control meds (no, I don't have seizures!) to a couple others specifically for migtraines and had no luck until recently.

Maxalt MLT 10 mg has worked like a miracle drug for me ! It dissolves under your tongue in a few seconds and works on the headache within 10-15 minutes ! ...A Godsend !  (+ info)

Is this a cluster headache or is it worse (e.g. tumor)?

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I've had a mild headache for about 2 weeks, it is on one side of my head near the temple and I feel it during the morning when it lasts for about 1 hour, and at night (slightly for 15 mins).
Is it a cluster headache or could it be something worse like a brain tumor.
could be a cluster headache. Could be mild sinus pressure, tension, a host of things. Really doubt its a brain tumor as a headache is not a symptom for brain tumors. If it persists see a doctor.  (+ info)

What do you know about CLUSTER HEADACHE?What are its causes& symptoms?

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  (+ info)

Can someone give me advice on cluster headaches?

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I've had this recurring headache since March. I think its' a cluster headache but I'm not sure. Almost every day as soon as I wake up, at work. I can't find any over the counter medications that will work. It's always on the left side at the temple.
If you think its cluster headaches consult your doctor. There is medication that can be taken at the onset that will stop it in it's tracks. A cluster headache comes on fast and is so painful you can't function during it. If your functioning it is most likely not a cluster headache. Pain on one side could indicate a jaw problem (see your dentist), a neck problem (see a chiropractor) or just plain stress (try a massage therapist). Your best bet is to start with your MD to eliminate anything serious and go from there.  (+ info)

Cluster headache, what's the best treatment for you?

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Treatment
There's no cure for cluster headaches. The goal of treatment is to help decrease the severity of pain and shorten the headache period.

Acute medication
The purpose of acute treatment is to stop or reduce pain after a cluster headache starts. Because the headache peaks quickly, acute medications must be fast-acting and delivered quickly, using an injection or inhaler rather than oral tablets. You must be ready to take the medication as soon as an attack starts. And you may want to teach family members about your medications so that they'll be able to help you when you have an attack.

Because the pain of a cluster headache comes on suddenly and may subside within a short time, over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) aren't effective. The headache is usually gone before the drug starts working. Fortunately, other types of acute medication can provide some pain relief. Treatment of cluster headache is focused more on prevention, with more medication options available to choose from.

Acute treatments include:

Oxygen. Briefly inhaling 100 percent oxygen through a mask at a rate of 6 to 8 liters a minute provides dramatic relief for most who use it. Occasionally, a higher flow rate may be more effective. The effects of this safe, inexpensive procedure can be felt within 15 minutes. The major drawback of oxygen is the need to carry an oxygen cylinder and regulator with you, which can make the treatment inconvenient and inaccessible at times. Small, portable units are available, but some people still find them impractical. Sometimes, oxygen may only delay rather than stop the attack, and pain may return.
Sumatriptan. The injectable form of sumatriptan (Imitrex), which is commonly used to treat migraine, is also an effective acute treatment for cluster headache. Some people may benefit from using sumatriptan in nasal spray form, but for most this is not as effective as an injection. Sumatriptan isn't recommended for people with uncontrolled high blood pressure or ischemic heart disease.


Another triptan medication, zolmitriptan (Zomig), can be taken orally for relief of cluster headache. Although oral zolmitriptan isn't as effective as injectable sumatriptan, it may be an option for people who can't tolerate other forms of acute treatment. Zolmitriptan also is available in nasal spray form.

Dihydroergotamine. This ergot derivative is available in intravenous, injectable and inhaler forms. Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal) is an effective pain reliever for some people with cluster headache. When administered intravenously, the drug requires you to go to a hospital or doctor's office to have an intravenous (IV) line placed. The inhaler form of the drug works more slowly. The dosage must be limited to avoid side effects, especially nausea.
Octreotide (Sandostatin, Sandostatin LAR). This drug, a synthetic version of the brain hormone somatostatin, has traditionally been used to control severe diarrhea. However, some studies have shown that the injectable form is an effective treatment for cluster headache and is safe for people with high blood pressure and ischemic heart disease.
Local anesthetics. The numbing effect of local anesthetics, such as lidocaine (Xylocaine), may be effective against cluster headache pain when used in the form of nasal drops.
Surgery
Rarely, surgery is recommended for people with chronic cluster headache who don't respond well to aggressive treatment or who can't tolerate the medications or their side effects. Candidates for surgery must have headaches only on one side of the head because the surgery can be performed only once. People with headaches that alternate sides of the head risk the chance that the procedure will be unsuccessful.

Several types of surgery have been used to treat cluster headache. These procedures attempt to damage the nerve pathways thought to be responsible for pain. However, residual muscle weakness in your jaw or sensory loss in certain areas of your face and head may result. The most common procedures are directed at the trigeminal nerve. They include:

Conventional surgery. Using a conventional invasive procedure, your surgeon cuts part of the trigeminal nerve with a scalpel or uses small burns to destroy part of the nerve. This form of surgery provides relief for most people with chronic cluster headache.
Radiosurgery. In a procedure called radiosurgery, a focused beam of radiation is used to destroy part of the trigeminal nerve. Radiosurgery is a noninvasive procedure that may have fewer side effects than does conventional surgery, but some studies have questioned the effectiveness and permanency of the results.
Potential treatments
As scientists learn more about the causes of cluster headache, they're able to develop more selective treatments for the condition. One development that shows promise is the use of a device to stimulate the occipital nerve, which influences the trigeminal nerve. To treat people with frequent cluster headaches, researchers are testing a stimulator — a pacemaker-sized device that sends impulses via electrodes — that is implanted over the occipital nerve. A Mayo Clinic study of implanted occipital nerve stimulators found that the devices reduced chronic headache pain by an average of about half.

Similar research is under way using an implanted stimulator in the hypothalamus, the area of the brain associated with the timing of cluster periods. Stimulation of the hypothalamus in a small number of people with severe, chronic cluster headaches has produced complete and long-term pain relief with no significant side effects.  (+ info)

All of my headache symptoms point to "cluster" headaches. Here is my question, I ALWAYS?

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100% of the time wake up in the morning with them I have never had one come on at any other time.
I have had EVERY test known to man kind & they don't know what it is. WHAT TYPE OF HEADACHE WOULD YOU WAKE UP WITH?
I am so sorry you are in pain. Cluster headache is known for hitting you in the am. Great sites to go to is www.EverydayHealth.com. or www.MedlinePlus.com
These sites can answer all your questions and give ideals of relief such as massage after you break the cycle of your cluster headaches. I find these sites very helpful and easy to maneuver. Please give them a try I think you will be very pleased to finally be able to wake up with out your head pounding or wanting to beat it against a wall. If you need a good massage for neck and shoulders feel free to e-mail me. I may know someone in your area that can give you a helping hand.  (+ info)

The most of my head is painful and tender. Is this a cluster headache or a tension headache?

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CLuster or migraine...how's your vision? Any nasusea?  (+ info)

Any medicine, home remedy for cluster headache?

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My husband has been sufferring from cluster head ache since few years, is there any known, proven home remedy that will reduce the intensity of the pain?

Sphurthy
http://health-related.blogspot.com
Fluids
Aspirin
Old fashioned antihistamines, eg. Phenergan

Lie down and rest

See a doctor  (+ info)

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