The body too has its rights; and it will have them: they cannot be trampled on without peril. The body ought to be the soul's best friend. Many good men however have neglected to make it such: so it has become a fiend and has plagued them. Augustus William Hare and Julius Charles Hare, Guesses at Truth, by Two Brothers, 1827
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are uncommon and extremely painful conditions. While migraines occur in 10 percent of people, much fewer than one percent of people have cluster headaches. Cluster headaches have been described by sufferers as being more painful than childbirth or migraines.
Often reported as a hot, stabbing pain behind the eye or near the temple, they are characterized by happening at regular times. Cluster headaches tend to occur at the same time of day, last for an hour or less, then disappear to re-occur the next day. This can often go on for months or longer. Unlike migraines, which are sometimes preceded by familiar symptoms such as flashing lights, cluster headaches strike without warning.
The cause isn't known with certainty, but many researchers believe this debilitating condition occurs as a result of an abnormality of the hypothalamus. This small gland plays an important role in regulation of the 'biological clock' and changes in the length of day and other factors can influence its behavior.
One striking difference between migraines and cluster headaches is their gender preference. Of the 28 million Americans who suffer from migraines, nearly three times as many women as men are afflicted. Cluster headaches, however, are far more prevalent among men than women, and usually strike those between 20 and 50 years of age. The ratio of men to women sufferers ranges from 5:1 to 8:1.
A range of treatments are available, but the common ones used to combat ordinary tension or even migraine headaches typically have no effect. Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen - though near wonder-drugs for other conditions - are usually ineffective.
One treatment that has been tried with some success is the inhalation of pure oxygen for several minutes. This is among the so-called 'abortive' treatments, since it only works after the onset of symptoms.
Another is one common among migraine regimens, a class of drugs called triptans. In order to speed delivery, it's often injected rather than ingested, however. Nasal sprays work quickly, but cluster headaches often produce swelling of the nasal passages, making administering the treatment by that route less effective.
Unfortunately, few preventive or prophylactic treatments are effective. Given the poor understanding of the causes and the rarity of the condition, this shouldn't be surprising. Though there are many treatments on the market, such as the use of CCBs (calcium channel blockers), the results are mixed.
Surgery has proved somewhat effective in the most serious cases. Other extreme treatments such as removal of part of the brain, nerve blocks, and other neurological surgeries can be used when all other options have been failed. Continuing research is being conducted on solving the causes and pain o cluster headaches.
Chocolate, red wine, cheese and other foods and drinks are often triggers for those who are a sensitive.
Merck's Investigational Migraine Treatment Telcagepant Improved Pain And Migraine-Associated Symptoms In Phase III Study
Merck & Co., Inc. announced that, in a Phase III clinical trial, telcagepant (formerly MK-0974), its investigational oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonist, significantly improved relief of migraine pain and migraine-associated symptoms two hours after dosing compared to placebo.
FDA Panel Rejects Black Box Warning On Epilepsy Drugs
A panel of experts that advises the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) voted last week to reject the Agency's proposal to make manufacturers of 11 epilepsy drugs put the strongest level of warning label on their products (the Black Box warning). The FDA had recommended the Black Box warning because studies showed the drugs had nearly double the risk of suicide compared to placebo, although in absolute terms it was still quite small.
Since they also help treat cardiac or chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure, in some cases they will work to relieve triggers for migraine. Anti-seizure medications are sometimes used as part of a preventive strategy. Side effects can include dizziness and skin rash. All these side effects can be minimized by proper dosage and consumption. But position, posture and other controllable factors may well be some of the most common causes, especially today.
|
