Posted by Thomas (38.37.103.67) on May 21, 2001 at 12:27:04:
Hi, I have had cluster headaches for two and a half years. My first attack was followed by another, then nothing for months. I thought it was a migraine or caffeine withdrawal. When they started up again, my spouse, an internist, misdiagnosed them as trigeminal nerve pain until the Horner's syndrome became evident and recommended lidocaine ointment 5%. I have found that about 80% successful in avoiding the attacks if applied with a cotton swab to the posterior of my nasal septum quickly enough. (Unfortunately, this doesn't work if you're asleep). I don't see much about Lidocaine ointment on this site and wonder if others have had positive or negative experiences. From the results of the poll, it doesn't look like many have tried it and I wonder why not.