Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Chronic Cluster Headache - How To Prevent Them And How To Stop Them


If you suffer from chronic cluster headace, the good news is that they can be prevented. Generally speaking, there are induction and maintenance therapies aimed at stopping cluster headaches (prophylactic treatment) that can be started at the same time.

Corticosteroids such as prednisone (Deltasone, Sterapred, and others) and dexamethasone (Decadron) are often used to break the headache cycle. These drugs are used to jump-start treatment for maintenance therapy and are not meant for long-term use.

Stopping cluster headaches

If your cluster headaches have already started, they can be stopped. Believe it or not, the most effective of abortive treatment for cluster headaches does not even require a prescription. It is to inhale pure oxygen - at the rate of seven liters per minute through a mask.

Other first-line treatments for cluster headaches

Triptan drugs

The include subcutaneous administration of triptan drugs such as sumatriptan and zolmitriptan. Ergot compounds have also been used to treat cluster headaches but those suffering from these headaches have reported they have obtained similar relief just by drinking strong cups of coffee immediately at the onset of an attack.

Because cluster headaches can begin so suddenly, the triptan drugs are usually administered by subcutaneous injection rather than by mouth. Most are also available as a nasal spray. However, these sprays do not seen to be as effective as subcutaneous injection due to the swelling of nasal passages during a cluster headache attack.

Dihydroergotamine

Dihydroergotamine is an ergo derivative available in injectable and inhaler forms. Dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal) is an effective pain reliever for some people suffering from cluster headaches. You must go to a hospital or doctor's office to have the drug administered intravenously as the inhaler form of the drug works more slowly.

Sumitriptan

The injectable form of sumatriptin (Imitrex) is commonly used to treat migraine can also be effective in treating cluster headaches. Another triptan drug, zolmitriptan (Zomig) taken orally can help relieve a cluster headache. There is an oral form of this drug available but it is not considered as effective as injectable sumitriptan.

A topical anesthetic such as Lidocaine sprayed into your nasal cavity may also reliever stop the pain, normally in a few minutes. However, it is not suggested that you use Lidocaine long-term due to its side affects and the possibility of damage to your nasal cavities.

Lidocaine

If Lidocaine sprayed into the nasal cavity provides good relief, this may indicate that two of your mucous membranes are in contact. This could be caused by genetics, a congenital defect, trauma or even weight gain. A minor, undetected deviated septum is the most common reason for two mucous membranes to be in contact. A simple out-patient procedure is such as nasoplasty, rhinoplasty, or septoplasty can separate the contact points and will stop the pain immediately and permanently.

You can buy Deltasone here

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