Trying something new when it comes to. topic post. Introducing the cross coverage method. Topic: Cluster Headaches

Show Notes For The Many Faces Of The Abled

Subject Cluster Headaches 

The Many Faces of The Abled podcast: Topic Show CH

Resources: clusterbusters.org

everydayhealth.com 

https://seetheabled.blogspot.com 

migrainetrust.org 

Please Note: That I am not a medical professional of any kind, and highly recommend you consult with your trusted medical professional. I also Do Not Believe In Self-Diagnosis, that in my opinion is very dangerous. 

Founder Of The Abler Blog, and online community. 

Jessica Niziolek 

What are Cluster headaches?
Clusters are considered to be the most painful condition known to man literally. Worse than Kidney stones, or giving birth. How bad is the pain? It is equivalent to someone getting a limb amputated without anesthesia. Cluster headaches also are also known in the community as suicide headaches.

What Age Can Custer Headaches Begin?

(From migrainetrust.org) while it is said that clusters can occur at any age, the typical age range are the 20’s and up. For those who have never heard of clusters, often don’t comprehend and or get that someone can have such a painful and life-changing condition, and still be able to function. Make no mistake this condition can leave someone immobile during an attack. I have seen it happen more than once with my sister, who is chronic cluster fighter as well as a chronic migraine fighter. 

Cluster v.s. Migraine 

(*the following information came from everydayhelath.com.*)

Clusters and migraines are two very different headache disorders. With migraines the person may experience nausea, become sensitive to light, and experience aura. The pain may also happen at one or both sides of the person’s temple, and sometimes their vision may be effected. Symptoms vary. Where a cluster attack can occur several times a day, on one side of the head and or face. In particularly around the eye on the effected side. Cluster’s attack the nerves in the face that control feeling. Unlike migraines cluster triggers are more complex and very for each person who experience them. For example, if the person just went through a stressful event at work, snd that event and stress is removed the person may experience an attack after the stress is removed. Or a person may experience an attack out the blue. But, typically a person with CH can pretty much set their watch to when an attack will occur for them. 

How Long Can A Cluster Attack Last?

From clusterbusters.org  

Attacks can vary anywhere from 15 mins to 3hrs or more. 

Triggers for an attack

While triggers can be varied and while there is a wide array of possible triggers, Why? Because they are subject to change with each attack for some who have CH. But the following list is just a small portion of what can likely be triggers for someone who has cluster headaches. For example change air pressure, or over heated rooms, alcohol, perfume, or cologne.  

Are There Different Types of Cluster Headaches?

The short answer is yes there is. Clusters fall into two groups: Episodic which means that someone with CH experiences pain-free periods that can last up to a month or more with assistance from treatment. Where chronic is where the sufferer as no relief form their pain. 

Is There Any Treatment For Someone With CH?

Again, the short answer is yes. I am going to leave the link to where you, my listeners, can find more information about how to treat CH on The Abler: https://seetheabled.blogspot.com. But one of the known things to help someone who has CH is oxygen therapy. Please take not that I urge anyone who believes they are someone they love my have Cluster Headaches, to please consult with their trusted medical professional, and I am highly against self-diagnosing yourself. Also please note, that I myself AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL OF ANY KIND. While there is no known reason why cluster headaches occur, or cure for them tight now does not mean that we will give up in finding answers. I know this particular episode was unusually long, but this condition hits very close to home for me. My sister is one of the 1 and 2 people out of a 1, 000 who are living with CH. (migrainetrust.org.)