Vasodilation headaches that form slowly over many hours

[Miilos Keen]

I get these dull, slowly forming headaches (a few times a month) near the temple/eye region that form consistently due to vasodilation triggers. My doctor has done tests and they all came back normal. The headaches are slow forming, no nausea, no severe pain and not exactly a classical migraine headache. The headaches make it hard to focus and are always gradually forming. I can feel a tight feeling in my head and I know it's coming. They are always triggered my vasodilation (hot temperatures, chocolate, wine, Niacin, grapes, etc.). Sometimes however a vasodilation trigger does not cause the headache. There are so many things that cause vasodilation so its not simple to just avoid triggers. I get good rest and drink plenty of water.

An interesting point to mention is that, when I take a strong vasoconstrictor such as coffee, it will eliminate the headache within 30 minutes as long as it is taken in the early parts of the headache when the pain is just starting to slowly come on. Amazingly the coffee eliminates the headache very well but I prefer to find a better solution that eliminates the root cause and not just a temporary solution that requires dependence on coffee. It feels my blood vessels around the eye susceptible or overly sensitive to vasodilating triggers. Supplements like B2 are partially successful in reducing frequency and intensity. Are there a vitamin or amino acid or herb or something else that can address the root cause?

[spiny]

Interesting Miilos. Of course many of us use coffee or an Energy Drink for a Cluster, so I do get the point that sometimes too much coffee is required. It just leaves one feeling jittery and 'not right'. How many times a day are you needing caffeine? Can you tell us where you are located? 

Are you getting the pain only on one side or are you getting both? Did the tests include a MRI? How did your doctor come to the diagnosis of Vasodilation Headache? I normally see that with reference to a particular medication, not a stand alone disease. Not that it isn't there! It very well could be and I just have not heard of it.  

Here are some medications associated with Vascular Dilation Headaches: 

Many drugs can cause vascular headaches by inducing vasodilation. These include antihistamines, sympathomimetic agents, amyl nitrate, nitroglycerin, nicotinic acid, hydralazine, prazosin, pentoxifylline, cyclandelate, nifedipine, perhexiline, theophylline, aminophylline, terbutaline, and dipyridamole.

 

This is the D3 Regimen. The original and it contains fewer vitamins to take, as it is not so focused on anti-inflammatory and histamine. https://vitamindwiki.com/tiki-download_wiki_attachment.php?attId=7708 It has helped many a cluster-head get out of pain and stay there for extended times. There is a more extensive one as well if this does not work. 

Are you taking any other medication that would affect your head? Like for heart issues or similar??

Next question: If you are only getting them a 'few times' a month, then why the concern over the caffeine? Does each headache require several cups of coffee to keep it at bay?