Posted by Q (198.64.206.92) on January 31, 2000 at 23:12:29:
In Reply to: I'd like to add this to the discussion. posted by drummer on January 31, 2000 at 20:37:09:
It has always seemed to me that the vascular-side of the attack was an effect of some neurological event which was preceeding it. The question remains, what causes these things?
I believe the hypothalamus is but an innocent bystander in the CH-process, a dupe. I believe the researchers are correct in seeing the hypothalamus as a "gating" mechanism and not the prime culprit. The question is, what could overtake the hypothalamus?
The hypothalamus is self-directing in its control over the endocrine system, but it takes its instructions from higher brain functions, including the limbic system -- the seat of emotions. These higher brain functions are what causes the hypothalamus to generate the "fight-or-flight" response.
Dr. John E. Sarno, M.D., expoused his theory about certain kinds of chronic pain as being driven from the limbic system through the hypothalamus to the sympathetic nervous system. In his book "The Mindbody Prescription", Warner Books, 1998, he lays all of this out very nicely. The book specifically addresses back pain and headaches, but not CH. I suggest anyone who is interested locate a copy and see if their CH condition is not written on every page.
BTW -- If interested -- The book costs about $15 from Amazon. The link below should take you there. (I have no $ interest in this whatsoever.)