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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Cluster Headaches Be Treated?

Cluster headache sufferer here, 4.5 weeks into a cycle after 2.5 years remission.I take propranolol for blood pressure and cialis for BPH.Isnʻt propranolol a vasoconstrictor while cialis a vasodilator? Should I stop the cialis until the CH cycle ends? Any other words of assistance for my CH treatment? I have sumatriptan tablets, but my GP is reluctant to prescribe injectable, and, Iʻve asked for O2, but not getting support. Mahalo from Hawaiʻi!
posted on Mon, 10 Jul 2017
Twitter Mon, 20 Aug 2018 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 27 Aug 2018 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Our goal must be to decrease the severity of pain, shorten the headache period and prevent the attacks. As you said that you have tried all the treatments. You can try the following drugs and methods may be helpful in decreasing the severity of pain, shorten the headache period and prevent the attacks. 1. Octreotide. This is very effective in Cluster headache. 2. Oxygen. Briefly inhaling 100 percent oxygen through a mask at a minimum rate of at least 12 liters a minute provides dramatic relief 3. Triptans.These are also helpful in cluster headache. 4. Intranasal Local anesthetics We can use Calcium channel blockers, Ergot or Nerve block as preventive for Cluster headache. Recently administration of Melatonin is found to helpful in preventing the episodes of cluster headache. In addition to these, sound undisturbed sleep is essential as it is linked with biological cycle. Avoidance of smoke and alcohol. Relaxing techniques like yoga and meditation are really helpful in reducing the frequency of attacks.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can Cluster Headaches Be Treated?

Hi, Our goal must be to decrease the severity of pain, shorten the headache period and prevent the attacks. As you said that you have tried all the treatments. You can try the following drugs and methods may be helpful in decreasing the severity of pain, shorten the headache period and prevent the attacks. 1. Octreotide. This is very effective in Cluster headache. 2. Oxygen. Briefly inhaling 100 percent oxygen through a mask at a minimum rate of at least 12 liters a minute provides dramatic relief 3. Triptans.These are also helpful in cluster headache. 4. Intranasal Local anesthetics We can use Calcium channel blockers, Ergot or Nerve block as preventive for Cluster headache. Recently administration of Melatonin is found to helpful in preventing the episodes of cluster headache. In addition to these, sound undisturbed sleep is essential as it is linked with biological cycle. Avoidance of smoke and alcohol. Relaxing techniques like yoga and meditation are really helpful in reducing the frequency of attacks. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.