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On another thread, we were discussing triggers. We thought that maybe it would be valuable to compile a list and post it in the ClusterBuster Files section. I have started this list by adding things that I remember to an initial list provided by ThatHurtsMyHead. I would appreciate any corrections, additions, or clarifications so we can make a list that’s as complete as possible. If you can think of a better way of organizing it, please suggest that. This is just a start. Not all of these things are triggers for everyone. Even alcoholic drinks, probably the most common triggers, don’t affect everyone. And for some people, some alcoholic drinks are triggers and some aren’t. So the purpose of this list is to help people think about what their own triggers might be, so that they don’t suffer needlessly from not recognizing them. Airplane travel Alcoholic drinks Altitude: high-altitude locations; travel from high altitude locations to lower ones and from lower ones to higher ones Amyl nitrate (used medically to treat heart diseases such as angina, and also used as an inhalant drug, often called a “popper,†that induces a brief euphoric state) BBQ Sauce Cheeses that are fermented (blue, brie, american, swiss etc.) Chocolate Epinephrine (anesthetic used often in dental work) Erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra, Cialis) Exercise: strenuous exercise Flour, bleached white (white bread, cake etc.) Marijuana MSG (monosodium glutamate, a food additive) Nitrates and nitrites (often added to processed meats, such as bacon, hot dogs, jerky, and luncheon meats) Nitroglycerine Odors: perfumes; gasoline; paint; solvents Pollen Sleep: irregular sleep schedules; napping Smoke Stress Sugar: high-sugar foods Weather: Barometric pressure changes Weather: High temperatures

Welcome Nordberg..... coupla questions... Have you tried a full pill before bed as a prevent? Many have...it apparently doesn't work....but wondering? Never having used the pill or researched is there the possibility of crushing the pill for oral admin...and/or perhaps sub lingually (probably tastes like used Redbull)...but just wondering? That pre-bed snort is curious.....since there is no need for fast acting at that time...and the half life of suma is short... I would expect this is somewhat wasted...of course...depending on experience with q#1. Snorting has been discussed on another forum....but from my recollection... the subject broached by folk who sent up alarm bells that made one immediately skeptical. Your reasoned post does not....I just need to point out that using a med in a way not offered, studied, condoned by the manufacturer(like maybe crushing like I said above )...while not necessarily/automatically "wrong"...is not something I would undertake lightly....and I urge folks new to clusterheadache to be extremely cautious in going "off instruction" with ANY med. I'd talk to a pharmacist...... And a couple other comments...night time hits...for me...were most amenable to O2...I didn't even have to fully wake up....which is actually an excellent strategy since one can get a bit of sleep between the multiples (I used to get) at night. I'd try again....minimum 15 lpm with non rebreather and hyperventilating...it's cheap and side effect free....just sayin'.... Good thought on water...tho it never made a dang bit of difference for my ch...many report it does...and it prevents lots of other issues.... which I unfortunately learned the hard way.... Best Jon

CHFather, yes I got that kit. Still use the mask sometimes. I just do better without it when I'm highly agitated, and that was something I really struggled with when I started 02. I think when us new CH start out and some treatment doesn't show immediate results, whe might want to call BS before we really take time to let it work. One thing I have learned is there are no "magic bullets" you need patience and a lot of tools in your toolbox.

I have suffered with cluster headaches from birth. I am glad to have finally started trying to help myself. I almost ended it several times. Sometimes mine last for 2-3 days. Does anyone else have this kind of prolonged agony? As far as triggers, my head-quakes are a sneaky bunch. Never found any corresponding events, smells, or activities that triggered. Only that when I first even THINK I am feeling one coming on, I take BC powder, begin massaging my temples, get AWAY from people,noise, light or anything that affects my sense, even smell. Then I brace for the inevitable. A steaming hot rag (I used to turn my water heater up as soon as symptoms arose) across, and pushed against, my eyes is so far my only respite. Only thing rags cool quickly and cold makes mine worse. Then a blind, stumbling, nightmarish ten steps to the faucet. Hot water, repeat until sleep. If no sleep, headaches continue for as long as I take to go unconscious. Any help would be welcome. I have stopped leaving "safe" areas (my home) overnight because I usually get a 3 am wake up call, and begin making gutteral noises and stumbling around Plus I can somewhat control my environment at home ( no smells, hot water, quiet, dark, no people, etc.). Any input would be welcome. I'm sorry that you are here, but I'm glad I'm not the only one. I am 32 and have had in excess of 100 clusters. The longest was 4 days and nights. I had a gun to my head and, being alone, no one was there to stop me. Any input would be very much appreciated and put to use. I work 6 to 7 days a week to make ends meet. It hits me hard to not work for, say, 2 days. Then a day of silence to recooperate. Anyone tried pyramids or 2-bromo?

The weird thing about this, given our list of triggers at another thread, is that the spice packet is filled with MSG, which is a wicked trigger for many. Or maybe you're talking about a different brand: I'm looking at Maruchan Hot Chili Flavor Ramen. Or I suppose maybe it's possible that the MSG isn't in the spice packet, though I don't know where else it would be.