Question: ME & Cluster Headaches

[theia]

Hello everyone,

For the last seven years I have been mostly at home and bed bound due to ME.Some weeks ago I had my first cluster headache attack (CHA)which lasted around 30 hours. It stopped only after I took the medication prescribed by the great NHS hospital emergency doctors. During these hours my ME symptoms had almost disappeared. Namely, no brain fog, no energy depletion, no need to rest.

We (my partner and I) spent a whole night, at least 12 hours, at the A&E waiting to be seen. During this time I was pacing mostly and was engaging with other patients. My partner was concerned that my ME was going to kick in and that I was going to drop - which I did not. As I said my ME symptoms had almost disappeared. Once the CHA had cleared the ME symptoms resurfaced.

I was wondering if anyone had any similar experience. Have looked to see if there is any medical academic research discussing these two conditions but could not find any. I also asked my GP. They did not know anything for sure but hypothesised that this might be related to TENS- one pain cancels the other.Both conditions are neurological, and it really seemed that the CHA was kind of cancelling out the worst of my ME symptoms. Would be really appreciated if you know anything and can shine any light on this .......

BW

Maria

[ButterflyPrincess1]

Hello,

You'll find that this page is pretty quiet, due to the nature and impact of M.E/CFS.

I'm afraid I've never experienced a Cluster Headache Attack (CHA). I've plenty of experience with migraines, though.

I also suffer from other conditions, as well as having a diagnosis of CFS and on that basis, I'd be inclined to agree with your GP (though I can only speak from my own experience and I'm obviously not medically qualified.)

If you have any further questions, I'm happy to try to help