I would rather chew glass!

Than have another headache!

I’ve always thought I suffered from migraines.  Turns out they are actually cluster headaches.

There are many similarities and quite a few differences between the two types of headaches.  Both are nasty, nasty things that shouldn’t be inflicted on anyone, not even your worst enemy! Fact!

Here are a few of the similarities and differences between migraines and cluster headaches.

  • Both types usually occur on one side of the head only.
  • Clusters are usually on the same side of the head every time while migraines can and do alternate sides.
  • Migraines are usually throbbing pains while clusters are sharp, continuous pain.
  • Migraines are more common in women while clusters are more common in men.
  • Migraines can last up to 3 days.
  • Clusters usually last only a few hours but will recur every few days for days/weeks/months at a time, hence the term cluster.
  • Migraines can start suddenly or gradually and decrease gradually.
  • Clusters start and decrease suddenly.
  • Migraine sufferers need to keep still while cluster sufferers are often agitated and need to walk or rock themselves.
  • Migraine sufferers often feel nauseous and are light and sound sensitive where cluster sufferers seldom feel nauseous and don’t usually have an aversion to light or sound.
  • Both types of headaches are debilitating.
  • Both types of headaches are treated with Rizatriptan (Maxalt).
  • Both types of headaches suck huge, fat, ugly donkey balls!

I was doing some research on cluster headaches (thank you Dr Google) and came across the following gems:

The term “headache” does not adequately convey the severity of the condition; the disease may be the most painful condition known to medical science –  Matharu M, Goadsby P (2001). “Cluster Headache”. Practical Neurology 

Patients often describe their pain as stabbing, sharp, burning and penetrating; as if a hot poker had been plunged into one of their eyes. – Christian Nordqvist, Medical News Today

Quite a few sites state that an alternate name for cluster headaches is the suicide headache.

Like I said, I would rather chew glass!

 

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