Oxygen Treatment
Oxygen treatment for aborting Cluster Headaches has been proven to be an effective, safe, and relatively cheap method for many sufferers. Some people do NOT respond to this treatment, just as some do not respond to the many drugs prescribed. There are many reasons for this, including improper usage. As with any treatment, there are risks involved.
Why does it work?
Your brain very closely monitors the amount of oxygen it receives, so it always gets the right amount. When it starts to get too much, it simply consticts the blood vessles that supply it with oxygenated blood. Because Cluatser headaches are from Dilated blood vessels applying pressure the the Tigeminal Nerve, this command from the brain to constrict them reverses the cause of the attack, and abruptly ends it.
Equipment General Information
some advice about the use of oxygen as an abortive for cluster headaches. It is VERY important that this be used correctly and safely, because there ARE risks and it is important that this is understood. The air we breathe is composed of approximately 79% nitrogen and 19% ambient oxygen-the other 1-2 % is rare gasses like argon, ozone, carbon monoxide (if you live in the city) , etc.
The benefits of oxygen therapy for sufferers of CH is clearly documented and can be a very great help in diminishing the horrible effect of this malady. It is important to start the therapy at the very first sign of an onset of the headache. The sooner, the better. If you wait, you will suffer more.
You must have a place that has NO open flames- NO SMOKING cigarettes, NO candles, NO fire! Oxygen can saturate your clothing, bedsheets, etc. and then catch on fire when you light a match. Be very careful and wait awhile before smoking.
You must have the proper delivery system: an oxygen supply (tank of oxygen--preferably medical grade), a NON-REBREATHER mask- the type that covers your mouth and nose and has a bag below to conserve the pure oxygen (NOT the tubes that go into your nostrils!),
A "bubbler" bottle that adds moisture to the oxygen will help your sinuses and throat from dryness and irritation. If you are ordering from a catalog or medical supply place, it is called a disposable humidifier.
A regulator that will deliver up to 15 litres per minute. Inhaled oxygen with high-flow (10 to 15 litres per minute) 100% normobaric oxygen breathed through a mask is efficient and useful especially when contra-indications to triptans exist. The efficacy of oxygen has been recently re-examined and confirmed. There are no contra-indications or limitations for the use of oxygen. [ref]
And it is important that you cut off any elastic band that will hold the mask onto your face--if you fall asleep with the mask attached, you may suffocate if the oxygen supply runs out. If this happens, it is important that the mask falls away so that you may breathe regular air. Your body will protect you to survive.
The amount of time to breathe the oxygen is important, also. If you do not get relief in 15-20 minutes of treatment, you will probably not get relief for that headache by further use. In respect to costs: medical grade oxygen is purified with filtration systems and can be very expensive. However, the companies that produce oxygen do not have separate systems for welders or for hospitals. Impure oxygen is not cost-effective. Welders need pure oxygen in the same way as do hospitals. The inspection of the tanks is the only difference. Impure oxygen makes bad welds--impure oxygen can also make you sick. Oxygen is SAFE...if used correctly.
It is necessary to have a prescription from your GP to use oxygen. But this therapy is VERY effective. Please encourage your GP to prescribe it and teach you to use it effectively. It is a blessing.
Another source for oxygen -in an emergency- is to go to your local Fire Station. There are EMT's (Emergency Medical Technicians) who are trained in giving oxygen. They are often willing to help you more than Emergency Room staff who regularly deal with "drug seekers" and may be ignorant of oxygen treatment for cluster headache.
Oxygen sources
Queensland:
Heeson Medical - heesonmedical.com.au - 07 3262 5506.
Their pricing (October 2010) is:
- Cylinder: $14 per month
- Regulator: $14 per month
- Refil: $28 per bottle. (1 bottle holds 4300 litres) so at 14 litres per minute, you'll get approx 307 minutes, or 15x 20 minute uses
- Delivery of a bottle is $27.50 or if you get 3 delivered, then delivery is free. 3 bottles will give you 45 uses before you have to call for refils.
Victoria, Perth, SA, Darwin & Tas :
Aeris Medical - Division of Supagas
Kay Tebby (Sales Representative)
130 Herald Street Cheltenham Victoria 3175
T: (03) 9555 1744
Mob: 0404 626 455
'D' cylinder size: $41.00 + $11.00 rent per month.
We also have FREE delivery for Vic & Tas.
Kay is awesome to deal with, and knows all about Cluster Headaches. SDhe is a member of this site too. Kay is very understanding and quick to organise delivery and will definitely look after you. We can't reccommend her enough!
NSW:
BOC - boc.com.au are aware of Oxygen therapy for cluster headaches, The phone number for Boc Health care is 1800 050 999 they have outlets in all states of Australia and New Zealand.
Thanks to Barry for the following info:
http://mushys.com/kiwi/
Note: some of the regulators may have been updated since I first wrote the Mushys piece but the basics are still the same.
Info from "NOMAD" - thanks.
"I've just bought myself a non rebreather mask from this company (mediquip direct): www.mediquipdirect.com.au
The item you need is:
MASK HIGH OXYGEN
MP3675
NOMAD