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cluster and/or migraine headaches

I recently had one of my :regular" ER docs tell me that I have cluster migraines? Is it a combination of cluster and migraines? I also have a history of NDPH, chronic daily headaches, and severe muscles spasms from cervical disc disease that activate trigger points in the side of my head with referred nerve pain to my face. I swear he knows what kind of headache that I'm having that day.
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Avatar universal
Good to hear from you. I pray that you get on the right track when you see your PCP. In the meantime here are some tips to help you with OTC measures.

1. There are several symptoms of migraines and what causes the pain of a migraine is the blood vessels in your brain become dilated. So, sometimes it helps it you put a bit of pressure on your head. I am sure you have already been doing this unconsciously with your hands from time to time. So, get a bandanna or a cloth headband and wrap it snugly around your head.
2. If you rub Mentholatum across your forehead and on your temples that helps relax those tense muscles. You can do this with or without the wrap, depending on if you like the heat or not.
3. Try either a cold or hot pack, whichever is more comfy to you.
4. The best OTC meds that I have found that works is Excedrin. It is a combo of Aspirin, Tylenol and Caffeine and that happens to be an excellent combo for migraines.
5. I mentioned caffeine before...well, drink coffee, Mt Dew, take Vivirin...sometimes a mega dose of caffeine will stop it in its tracks.
6. If you get nauseous or dizzy get some Meclizine from the pharmacy (the stuff behind the counter) you can take 25mg three times a day as needed. Yes it works on both.

Let us know what your PCP says.
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Avatar universal
Hello, an update. I saw my neurologist and he also said that  I have chronic cluster migraines.Not much else was helpful since I was supposed to see a team. I haven't seen him in 3 years so I should have been considered a new patient.  I knew I had to get a second opinion when he totally dismissed my cervical spine. I have a 3 level fusion and one level is not fused yet and it's already been repaired once. My neck is a major trigger so for him to completely dismiss it had me concerned. Basically, it was a waste of time and money. MY PCP said it was two separate diagnosis. So we both think that my diagnoses are: chronic daily headaches, chronic migraines, chronic cluster, and NDPH. I have an app't at Mayo's in a couple of months for a multidisciplinary approach that will address all of my issues. So, I pray for some answers even though i know there is no cure.
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13767242 tn?1432253538
I've been suffering from head wash headaches for quite some time. It doesn't matter what type of hair shampoo/conditioner or whether I'm standing the shower or bending over the tub it generates the same results. It so bad that I can't blow dry my hair or style it for a couple of days. My medical history doesn't show any signs of high blood pressure, can't remember if I've ever had a minor neck injury. Seen a Neurologist talked about the temperature of the water, the time of the wash ( 5 mins or 10 mins)  how often I wash me hair.  Still nothing I could do to get rid of them without prescribed meds. I'm not a person that like taking meds of any kind due to the onset of other problems drug (can) causes. The pain is on both sides of my temples, blurred vision, centavo to light and tighten of my jaws.  Other migraines I get comes without the hair wash and more painful that includes all above with nausea, confusion and me curled up in a fetus position in a dark room. If there're any holistic approach please let me know.
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Avatar universal
Hi and welcome to the Migraines & Headaches Community.

Cluster migraines and cluster headaches are the same thing. Just means instead of getting one or two every few months/years. You can have multiple migraines back to back. You have to pay attention or you might think it is all still one looong migraine because the relief is soooo brief. I have them almost daily and sometimes the relief is only as long as 4-5 minutes.
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