Posted by Jon Sansom (204.114.255.2) on July 22, 2000 at 09:11:39:
I found this site by accident. Thought I would add my two cents worth. I was diagnosed with CH ten years ago (I am 38 years old now). Have the usual(for some)18 to 24 month interval. Ice pick behind right eye radiating through back of head and into neck and shoulder. My hope that I offer you is that with age, I am seeing the pattern change. My last episode lasted approx. 6 weeks, but was different in that the headaches started out mildly and responded to asprin or NSAID. They gradually worsened and required more potent therapy (Midrin, hydrocodone) and peaked about mid cycle. Then, they started being less frequent and became milder again until the end which as I said came 6 weeks later. I have not tried prednisone but will next time (If and when there is a next time). Dr. John Rothrock at USA Medical Center in Mobile Al said that the combination of Medrol dose-pack and verapamil will abort the cycle. Point is that I suffer less frequency and less severity as I get older. Hope you all have a similar experience. There may be an end to this misery!
In response to Jonathan and GABA, I sell a GABA-ergic medication that is being used with some success in treating Migraine (Gabapentin:anti-convulsant used for variety of pain syndromes.) It seems to be OK for prophylaxis, and some have success in treating acute phases. It didn't work that great for me but I didn't take a very high dose and didn't stay on it for very long (Literature reports 2400mg and higher). Hang in there all!