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Suggest Treatment For Cluster Headaches
Question:
Hello Dr.Sejdini:
Since I talked to you about the hick ups they have gone away after twelve days,slowly but they did go away finally. thank you for your advice and concern.
Another problem I am dealing with and have been on and off for some 30yrs or more are cluster headaches.I have been going through a cycle of them since the middle of April and having a very hard time finding relief.
I am a disabled Army veteran and a patient with the VA. The VA doctors have tried many medications over the years and only one medication has helped to give me some relief.The med. is called (Zomig) a Zolmitriptan
nasal spray,the problem is The VA will only authorize 6 doses a month and I need at least one a day usually at night time so I can sleep since the worst one comes on as soon as I fall asleep and it wakes me up in
excruciating pain on one side of my head,its like a burning pain in my eye and my nasal cavity and a stabbing pain on the top of my head and down the back of my neck that will last from 45 to 90min.It is nasty and very very
painful. I have done much research online and there is not much that can be done about them from what I have found out. It seems to me it is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life.It is hard to deal with and for my family and friends to see me when I am having a attack is not a good thing. These so called suicide headaches as they are called by some people control my life when I am suffering through a cycle,they effect my social life and every day activities,it is very hard to deal with. I hope that someday medical science can solve this in some way or form so that people who suffer from these can have piece and relief,for now it is what it is. Any suggestions ???
Thank you for your concern.
Hello Dr.Sejdini:
Since I talked to you about the hick ups they have gone away after twelve days,slowly but they did go away finally. thank you for your advice and concern.
Another problem I am dealing with and have been on and off for some 30yrs or more are cluster headaches.I have been going through a cycle of them since the middle of April and having a very hard time finding relief.
I am a disabled Army veteran and a patient with the VA. The VA doctors have tried many medications over the years and only one medication has helped to give me some relief.The med. is called (Zomig) a Zolmitriptan
nasal spray,the problem is The VA will only authorize 6 doses a month and I need at least one a day usually at night time so I can sleep since the worst one comes on as soon as I fall asleep and it wakes me up in
excruciating pain on one side of my head,its like a burning pain in my eye and my nasal cavity and a stabbing pain on the top of my head and down the back of my neck that will last from 45 to 90min.It is nasty and very very
painful. I have done much research online and there is not much that can be done about them from what I have found out. It seems to me it is something I will have to live with for the rest of my life.It is hard to deal with and for my family and friends to see me when I am having a attack is not a good thing. These so called suicide headaches as they are called by some people control my life when I am suffering through a cycle,they effect my social life and every day activities,it is very hard to deal with. I hope that someday medical science can solve this in some way or form so that people who suffer from these can have piece and relief,for now it is what it is. Any suggestions ???
Thank you for your concern.
Brief Answer:
Unfortunately,not much as treatment alternatives...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Nice to hear from you again. I am happy to know that your hiccups have been subsided.
With regards to cluster headaches you've been suffering during these 30 years, I am sorry to admit that unfortunately, you are destined to suffer of them all life long.
As an Army veteran, you might have been close to death many times I believe; so you know how to deal with pain or any other serious problem. That's why I find it easy to communicate with you and ask for patience when going through the painful clusters.
I'd suggest to add 10 mg of melatonin in the evening as it has shown to reduce the frequency of cluster attacks.
Furthermore, get more fresh air. I understand you might find it difficult as you are disabled. At the time you get the clusters, oxygen will give a great help. So, talk with your doctor to provide an oxygen machine and advise how to use it correctly especially during acute episodes.
There are some new treatments, however, they are under experimental stage, and not totally confirmed, I'm sorry for that.
All the best! Let me know if you have other queries.
Dr.Sejdini
Unfortunately,not much as treatment alternatives...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back,
Nice to hear from you again. I am happy to know that your hiccups have been subsided.
With regards to cluster headaches you've been suffering during these 30 years, I am sorry to admit that unfortunately, you are destined to suffer of them all life long.
As an Army veteran, you might have been close to death many times I believe; so you know how to deal with pain or any other serious problem. That's why I find it easy to communicate with you and ask for patience when going through the painful clusters.
I'd suggest to add 10 mg of melatonin in the evening as it has shown to reduce the frequency of cluster attacks.
Furthermore, get more fresh air. I understand you might find it difficult as you are disabled. At the time you get the clusters, oxygen will give a great help. So, talk with your doctor to provide an oxygen machine and advise how to use it correctly especially during acute episodes.
There are some new treatments, however, they are under experimental stage, and not totally confirmed, I'm sorry for that.
All the best! Let me know if you have other queries.
Dr.Sejdini
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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