| 07 Jul, 2012 - 12:24 pm |
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cluster and migraine
Home > Forums > Questions and Support > cluster and migraine
| 08 Jul, 2012 - 4:49 am |
Yes, it is possible to have both migraine and cluster headache, and what a crap combination they are.
First off, read up as much information as you can, because most doctors don't know cluster headache, or how to treat it, so you have to be able to guide them. It's possible you have a type of headache that is similar to CH, but not the same.
Some medications are used for both migraine and CH, but might be used differently. Imigran (sumatriptan) is one that is used the same for both- taken as soon as you feel an attack coming on.
A lot of people find breathing pure oxygen at high rates effective at stopping a CH attack, but it must be done correctly, and as soon as an attack starts. Also drinking tons of water, and eating fresh food instead of processed can help.
Some doctors will just prescribe strong pain-killers, despite the evidence that they are mostly ineffective against CH, and can lead to addiction and making things worse.
Whatever meds you are prescribed, Deano, do your own research on them. It's not uncommon for doctors to prescribe a course of treatment that really has benefit to the patient at all, and some of these meds can be nasty.
Keep a record (diary) of your attacks, their length and strength, and what you ate or did that might have caused or influenced them. This will help your doctor, and possibly reveal a pattern to you.
Well, that's it. Do read up on the info down the left. Ask questions, we'll do what we can to help. Bear in mind we're not doctors, but we know what you're going through.
Good luck to you.
cheers Peter.
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| 08 Jul, 2012 - 1:50 pm |
Peter (as usual) is right on the ball with his advice.
My CHs started as acute--ie in clusters of headaches over a period of time with periods with no headaches between. Now they are chronic--for me this means I have at least 1 headache a day, but always at the same time. Always preceded by the normal CH symptoms. What my neuro calls these are "migranous cluster headaches". We are treating them as CHs as opiates do not help me at all, whereas some migraine sufferers find that indeed opiates do help.
It really comes down to knowing what is going on in your head, and being able to describe succinctly to your dr what is going on ie headache diary as Peter has mentioned.
Also to note what effect any drugs do have on your headaches.
Re medication read up on the left, and when prescribed any medications read up on them in the PBS A-Z listing. The sheets are there that "should" be given to you by the chemist. Ask for them as they will help you to get an understanding of what to expect etc.
One quick word of warning--take care with any medication that you have to "wean" yourself off of ie prednisolone. Dont just stop a drug without consulting with dr. or pharmacist.
Always here to help
Cheers
Heather
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| 26 Feb, 2020 - 6:08 pm |
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