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My son, age 26 has been dealing with these headaches for years.

Customer Question

My son, age 26 has been dealing with these headaches for years. The last bout he had with them was two years ago. He has been having them this past week and they are accuring daily. He has been given Octreotide and Dihydroergotamine, is there anything that is available to help with this? How much is known about these headaches now? Any help would be greatly appreciated..

Ann G.

Submitted: 362 days and 7 hours ago.

Category: Neurology

Value: $38

Status: CLOSED

Accepted Answer

Expert: DrBrain replied 362 days and 7 hours ago.

DrBrain : Hello welcome to just answer.

DrBrain : My views expressed are for educational purposes only.

DrBrain : If he is having migraines every day then he might need prophylactic treatment in which his doctor can consider prescribing abortive meds like imitrex, Topamax or Pamelor.

Customer :

He has seen a doctor for the cluster headaches and they just prescribe him meds to take care of the headaches as they come on. My understanding is that there is very little knowledge about these headaches.

DrBrain : The term cluster headache refers to a type of headache that recurs over a period of time. People who have cluster headaches experience an episode one to three times per day during a period of time (the cluster period), which may last from two weeks to three months. The headaches may disappear completely (go into "remission") for months or years, only to recur. A cluster headache typically awakens a person from sleep one to two hours after going to bed. These nocturnal attacks can be more severe than the daytime attacks. Attacks appear to be linked to the circadian rhythm or biological clock. . Most people with cluster headaches will develop cluster periods at the same time each year -- either in the spring or fall or the winter or summer.

DrBrain : The cause of cluster headaches is unknown. However, the headaches occur when a nerve pathway in the base of the brain (the trigeminal-autonomic reflex pathway) is activated. The trigeminal nerve is the main nerve of the face responsible for sensations (such as heat or pain.)

Customer :

Are the imetrex, topamax or pamelor taken daily and if so are they shown to keep these headaches in remission?

DrBrain : Yes they are prescribed to prevent them from coming.

DrBrain : They are abortive meds that means this medication would prevent the headaches.

Customer :

Why do you think the doctors he has seen has not written a script for this? He has seen a Neurologist and Family Doctor???

DrBrain : It really depends upon the doctor to prescribe the medications. The meds he is taking is also a standard meds prescribed for this type of headaches but again each person reacts differently with this meds.

Customer :

Are these types of headaches hereditary?

DrBrain : Not likely.

Customer :

Okay, thanks for the information. I will pass it onto him and have him question his doctor about the abortive meds.

DrBrain : Youre welcome. If you have no further questions then please press the accept button. Thank you.

Expert Type	Neurologist
Category:	Neurology
Pos. Feedback:	96.5 %
Accepts:	1923
Answered:	5/11/2012

Experience: Diplomate, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology

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