All Activity

Good day guys, I hope all are managing. I have been taking 50mg of Prednisone daily for the past few weeks, in an attempt to assist with the loading dosages of my D3. It is helping, however I am having excruciating leg cramps mainly at night. Now it is also cramping on the muscle surrounding both my hip replacements. Get them some times when I'm driving also So, I do know that Prednisone actually depletes Potassium levels. Magnesium, for some reason, is just makes the cramps worse. I tried other anti cramp meds out there and its not working. Just wanted to find out if it is safe to take high dosages of Potassium for now and if it will aggravate the Clusters or will it be safe. Thanks

https://www.1win-casino-777.top — платформа с широким выбором азартных игр и удобным интерфейсом.

Stijn, I appreciate your non-defensive responses to questions! Language like this "The reason your CH cycle started..." kind of triggers me (in contrast to maybe something more like, "My hypothesis for the reason your CH cycle started...."). But, like I say, I admire your openness in interactions, and I admire the effort you are making to learn whether your theories hold true.

Yes, the Sun changes sidereal signs pretty much every year on the same day. I don't have all the answers to your questions, as I'm only at the beginning of this research. I'm still looking into what causes or prevents the larger cycles, why one year yes, and the other no, but I hardly made any progress there. However, I found that many peaks occur when the Sun changes signs. Also, often cycles start then. Another way to convince yourself is keeping a detailed record of peaks and then comparing it to solar ingresses by using an ephemeris. If you wish to know more, best take a look the pdf attached, as it includes my findings up till now. For your convenience, I've listed the solar ingresses for the rest of the year.

So, he is talking about cycles in 2018, 2020, and 2022. Does the sun change signs every year on August 17? If so, while that might "explain" those past cycles (or at least the 2020 and 2022 ones, since he doesn't say the 2018 cycle started on that day, and he probably would have mentioned that), what "explains" not having cycles at all in 2019 and 2021?

The reason your CH cycle started on August 17 is because on that date, the Sun changes signs (sidereal Cancer to Leo) . (Don't know why it stops on September 1 though.) Check the "Medical Almanac" I prepared for July-December 2025 - pdf attached. Medical Almanac 2025 solar disorders.pdf

Hello I've had the Cluster headaches since around 2016 , then l was not aware of what they were or why. It always affects the right side of my head when the attacks happen . After l was diagnose from my Neurologist , he issued Verapamil at 80 milligrams six times per day. I found taking that many pills was hard on my system , to many side effects. So l was cutting back on Verapamil to find the right mix of pills. My cycles were always later September when they started and end around the first week of February. I would only take the Verapamil when the season started then around late March, and that seem to work for a few years. I would have headaches around late evening always the same time every day. He also issued Sumatriptan 100 mgs and Rizatriptan at 10 mgs as well to stop the pain when they peaked 10/10. When the headache ended l would fall asleep fast when taking triptan cocktails of pills but they worked. So for the first 5 or 6 years or so they were like clock work they start up again late fall and then early February Then one year l hardly had any at all. Didn't know why either. My neurologist gave me a prescription for the shot in the back of my neck had it twice , but it did not work. A couple of years back l got on oxygen and l found that it really helps , it stops them before they build, hence no more sumatriptan or Rizatriptan to kill the pain . I still get shadows at times that linger , but now I take Verapamil 80mgs three times a day and that keeps away for good. I don`t get off the Verapamil at all now. I live in the western part of Canada I am a senior now ,and also male, but when they started I was in my late fifties. We travel a lot and I find that the atmospheric pressure has a lot do with headaches as well. I hope this helps as you are not alone with this condition. Hawk

In the tradition of the old “Almanac” makers, I thought it might be nice to create a “Medical Almanac” that looks at the sensitive times for (cluster)headaches. As a first publication, it starts modestly, and covers only the second half of 2025 (July-December). It shares the research and the theory behind it and marks the collective dates when one may - or may not - experience peaks in intensity. If you’re interested, whether to check if there’s any corresondence with your own CH peaks, or just curious to see what the hell this is all about, get in touch by pm and I’ll send you a pdf copy (free).

Triptans can send you down the rabbit hole of hit after hit. For me using nasel sprays 10 mg Zomig works great to stop an attack but it will cause rebound hits. I found that the 2.5 mg ZMT work fairly well and unless I use them for more than 2 days I am good. It seems like the higher dose along with the faster absorption of the nasel sprays causes problems.

Well, that wasn't too fun. He had difficulty getting into the joints due to the underlying arthritis so I got extra needles and it took longer. I think all that added up to irritating things A LOT. After the systemic effect of the steroids wore off (about 4 days), then I had a severe nerve pain on the side/back of my neck that just wouldn't quit. I tried everything. Finally topical lidocaine (which usually doesn't do anything for any pain I have) worked well.They told me all of this is not unexpected.....thanks a lot. Anyway, about 10 days after the injections I had a couple days of CH. That was only 2 days but the migraine continues to be worse than before the injections. The nerve pain is much less now also. All-in-all, I won't be having any more needles in my neck anytime soon......

June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Our patient conferences are so important - there's no other place where you will see over 100 people gathered in a room who are affected by cluster headache. This is vital to those who experience cluster attacks but also to the Care Partners as well. There are clinicians who not only come to share their knowledge, but it's a time for them to sit with our community and learn as well. We have it all in Grapevine, TX September 11-14th. Whether this is your first conference or your 20th, we want to welcome you! More information and register here: https://cbdallas2025.planningpod.com/. IF you aren't sure - comment, message, email us and we can chat about it. It can be difficult to walk into a place and not know anyone, especially when you experience a disease that has you running to hide. We have a ClusterBuddies program and one way that program can help is we can pair you up with a longtime attendee so that you already know someone before you arrive. Clinicians, we will be offering CME/CEUs! We are excited to have you with us as well. We want to get to know you and be able to help you feel better equipped to help your patients with cluster headache. Pain free wishes to all From the Board of Clusterbusters and our Founder/Executive Director Bob Wold

Thanks to all who have responded! I thought that it only had dilative effect, but apparently some research suggests that it's more complicated. I'll copy a few lines from a NIH link, and share the link. Oh and I am not looking to use it for CH, I'm wondering if there are strains less likely to add to my overall headache burden, so I can consider it's use for arthritis-related issues. Experimental studies specifically targeting cannabinoids' effects on the cerebral vasculature are rare. There is evidence for transient vasoconstrictive effects of cannabinoids in the peripheral and cerebral vasculature in a complex interplay of vasodilation and vasoconstriction. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5986896/#:~:text=Experimental studies specifically targeting cannabinoids,interplay of vasodilation and vasoconstriction.

Many apologies for the late notice! Jefferson Cluster Center Symposium: https://Jefferson.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pF0E7o9oQUqHJ-E5QnzJzg We will be starting at 8PM on June 24 (Tuesday) at 8PM. Dr. Michael Marmura will lead the discussion. This will be recorded- register to get updates on the recording.

Only reason I smoke it is because of PTSD, WORK FOR THAT,

cannabis has dilative effects, nomatter the strain (sativa, indica, hybrid). it has never helped me get rid of any headache, ever.

INDICA IS BEST STRAIN FOR PAIN RELIEF, DOSEN't do anything for CH

Greetings! As I have become more aware of the positive impact of vasoconstrictors on my clusters, I've begun to wonder about the use of cannabis, it's constrictive or dilative effects. Some time back I attempted to use cannabis to help with body pain, and it did help but also seemed to create other headache pain. I ask not to find out about cannabis use for CH, but wondering if there are strains of cannabis that have a more vasoconstrictive effect, and if that might help reduce additional headache burden while trying to manage osteoarthritic joint pain.

Really interesting insights! I've come across similar discussions on personality and coping styles over at www.themigrainenetwork.com, which might be helpful for anyone exploring the connection between headache disorders and psychology.

Thank you for posting this!! Very interesting!!

Microdosing is not really something that does anything for us I think. You need to take more and leave 4 days in between or take it every fifth day. BUT I took a full trip in December 24 and it started a very atypical cluster for me. but you never know what started it. And in the past when I was on verapmil. MY cluster also never stopped. It stopped when I quit the verap. And went through the usual cluster cycle. I never took verapamil again. My unusual cycle last December was on the wrong side of my head and it stopped free I took one mushroom bonbon. And my current cluster started 14 April.and went on till two days ago. I hope. good luck!

Thanks for sharing friend. Will have a read. I'm using a smart watch in conjunction with the health app on my phone. I must say that it measures almost everything like sleep patterns, sp02, breathing, heart rate. All to the "T" I had many of these things in the past, however the one I'm using now works excellent. It would be nice if everyone could invest in one as it will give us all a sense of tracking this beast. I know some are expensive and some of us can't afford it. I got one couldn't, however I saved to get this particular one and it's totally awesome. It is an Huawei GT2 watch and I'm using a 2014 model Huawei Mate 20 Pro with its OEM health app. Goodluck buddy.

Sleeps an interesting thing! Sorry if it was mentioned but how are you measuring, a smart watch or such? Good on you for tracking, super cool what tech can do. This article was published, I’ve only glimpsed the review but based on above you may find it interesting. Not a specific CH sleep study but CH is reviewed in the context of arousal & CGRP. It also looks at microbiome research and sleep. I had this set aside for this weekend to read, will come back and share further thoughts once I’ve digested it. Orofacial pain/headache interlaced to insomnia, sleep apnea and periodic limb movement during sleep/restless leg syndrome: a critical and comprehensive review with insights into social determinants https://files.jofph.com/files/article/20250612-403/pdf/OFPH20241219001.pdf

Hello everyone, I’m reaching out because I’m going through a very difficult time with my current cluster cycle, and I would really appreciate your insights or similar experiences. I’ve been diagnosed with episodic cluster headaches for several years, and my cycles usually last around 3 to 4 months. This current cycle started on November 23, 2024, and now, in mid-June 2025, it’s still not over – which is the longest I’ve ever experienced. Here’s some background: I’ve been taking Verapamil regularly, most recently 240 mg × 3/day since June 7, 2025. Before that, I was on 180 mg × 3/day, and at times I even lowered the dose during the cycle when symptoms improved. During this cycle, I also started microdosing with psilocybin (approx. every 2–3 days) for several weeks – not busting, just very low doses. I noticed that after starting the microdosing, the cycle didn’t improve, and possibly even worsened or extended. I’m still using oxygen as an abortive (which usually works quickly), and I’ve also tried adjusting my diet, sleep, and supplements (D3 regimen, magnesium, etc.). My question is: Has anyone here experienced a significant extension of their cycle (past 6 months) after starting microdosing? Could it be that the low doses kept the hypothalamus “awake” and prolonged the cycle? I’m not sure if this is just a coincidence, or if the microdosing actually interfered. I’m now afraid that this may have caused a switch toward a more chronic pattern. Any feedback, personal stories, or insights from others who went through something similar would mean a lot to me. Thank you for your time and support, Mike

Thanks @CHfatherand @Bejeeber. I'm on Day 18 since my first headache post-op and it's definitely a normal cluster episode....ugh! Appreciate your insights, you both are always a wealth of knowledge and support. I was unaware that epinephrine was a trigger but good to know for future.