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Headaches and Migraine 101: Cluster Headaches
If you're new to headaches and Migraine disease, these resources will get you started on the path to knowledge and understanding. If you're not new, it's always good to "brush up," especially in a field where there's so much ongoing research. These resources apply to Cluster Headaches, probably the most painful of all.
Be sure to scroll down the page to view all the links!<<
Be sure to scroll down the page to view all the links!<<
What Are Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are attacks of severe pain lasting 15-180 minutes and occurring from once every other day up to eight times in one day. They are accompanied by a variety of other symptoms and can be very difficult to treat.
Cluster headaches are attacks of severe pain lasting 15-180 minutes and occurring from once every other day up to eight times in one day. They are accompanied by a variety of other symptoms and can be very difficult to treat.
Magic Mushrooms or LSD for Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches affect approximately 5% of the population. Research doesn't seem very plentiful, perhaps because of the relatively low prevalence. That's small comfort to the sufferers of cluster headaches. Dr. R. Andrew Sewell and Dr. John H. Halpern, Harvard researchers, are studying the effects of two substances -- psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
Cluster headaches affect approximately 5% of the population. Research doesn't seem very plentiful, perhaps because of the relatively low prevalence. That's small comfort to the sufferers of cluster headaches. Dr. R. Andrew Sewell and Dr. John H. Halpern, Harvard researchers, are studying the effects of two substances -- psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms) and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD).
Anatomy of a Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are the most painful headache possible. The pain has been described as "boring", "tearing", or "burning." Analogies also are used, such as "a hot poker in the eye", or as if "the eye is being pushed out." Anyone who has ever had them, has no doubt what they are. It's no exaggeration to say that the pain and desperation of cluster headaches have actually led to suicides.
Cluster headaches are the most painful headache possible. The pain has been described as "boring", "tearing", or "burning." Analogies also are used, such as "a hot poker in the eye", or as if "the eye is being pushed out." Anyone who has ever had them, has no doubt what they are. It's no exaggeration to say that the pain and desperation of cluster headaches have actually led to suicides.
Exploding Eye: Cluster Headaches
They've caused their victims to pace the floor in agony, unable to lie down; literally bang their heads against a wall; even, on rare occasions, to commit suicide to escape the pain. They're cluster headaches, and those who suffer from them are often called ClusterHeads.
They've caused their victims to pace the floor in agony, unable to lie down; literally bang their heads against a wall; even, on rare occasions, to commit suicide to escape the pain. They're cluster headaches, and those who suffer from them are often called ClusterHeads.
Triptans: Overview and Profiles
In 1992, the FDA approved the first of a class of medications that many Migraineurs call "miracle drugs." That drug was sumatriptan (Imitrex®, Imigran®), the first triptan. Here are both general information on triptans and detailed profiles of each.
In 1992, the FDA approved the first of a class of medications that many Migraineurs call "miracle drugs." That drug was sumatriptan (Imitrex®, Imigran®), the first triptan. Here are both general information on triptans and detailed profiles of each.