Cluster headache, Migraine, or something else?

Question

Here's the story:

On Halloween night I took my kids out and while we were walking I sat down on the curb and got incredibly nauseated and dizzy and a stabbing pain on the right side of my head behind my eye. It was bad enough that I could not get up. They had to call the ambulance to come get me. At this time I was bleeding heavily (period). At the hospital, They diagnosed it a cluster headache and gave me Demerol and oxygen therapy. It got better. I since have not had such an attack but I have had headaches. I went online and researched CH and I don’t match most of the symptoms. It was more like a migraine but my doctor said I don’t get them. I think it had something to do with my heavy period. What are your thought on this? Just wondering if anyone had something simalar?

Answer 1

I get migraines often and have been going to a neurologist for treatment. You should seek a specialists help -- headaches are not something to "ignore". There are meds such as Topomax that are taken daily as a preventive measure. If the headaches coincide with your period you may want to talk to your gyno about birth control (unless your on it) sometimes that alleviates the headaches. Good Luck, I've been there, they are not fun to deal with. Feel free to email me if you have any more questions.

Answer 2

Migraines are relatively infrequent - perhaps at the very most occurring once every two weeks. Cluster headaches is experienced in batches.

Answer 3

Headache is a pain in the head, scalp or neck. Headaches can be
caused by minor problems like eyestrain, lack of coffee or more
serious reasons like head injury, brain tumors, encephalitis and
meningitis. Taking painkillers continuously can have harmful side
effects, so it is better to modify your lifestyle. More information
available at

Answer 4

Get a second opinion, better safe than sorry.