OT - Oxygen Therapy for Cluster Headaches

[Babette]

I know alot of us on cpap therapy report a reduction in headache occurences since being on cpap. I am one of those. I used to wake up with blinding headaches that would force me to miss work. I rarely get those now. What headaches I do get are generally manageable.

Recently, my BF started a new job, and his office-mate has a portable oxygen tank in his office. Whenever he feels a headache start, he puts on his oxygen mask. Says it works great for him.

I asked BF to get me some more info, to share with a coworker of mine who suffers terribly from headaches. Well, it occurred to me that someone here might want that info, too.

Turns out there's a forum for this therapy. Go figure.

http://www.clusterheadaches.com

The coworker knows I'm on cpap, so he also sent the following info:

Several threads dealing with SA and CPAP

CPAP
http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin ... 1210958386

from the “old msg” board

CPAP
http://www.clusterheadaches.com/cgi-bin ... 671913/9#9

from the “message board”

The search function at top middle of page does not work, use the space to
the right with the magnifying glass


Hope this helps someone!!!
Barbara

[Jason S.]

Thanks. I get headaches too. Not sure if they're pigeon-holeable to where I'd call them "cluster headaches". I'm not sure thats a diagnosis anyway. Its like autism, the labelling of autistic doesn't tell you anything about the individual's symptomology. Its just a catch-all phrase whose main function is to serve as launching pad for health care or services.

[riverdreamer]

Actually, "cluster headaches" is a very specific type of headache, readily identifiable. It doesn't just mean a bunch of headaches.

I've heard of the O2 therapy, before, but because it was so specific to the cluster headaches, I never tried it. My silver bullet for my long term, frequent migraines has been Frequency Specific Microcurrent. It is a little like TENS, but more sophisticated. I went from 3-4 migraines a week, to going months without a migraine. It even works, for me, to stop a migraine once it starts. To me, that is as good as a cure.

CPAP has also been a help, as I have been able to reduce my microcurrent treatments, but I won't ever be without my microcurrent again. YMMV, as it requires identifying the causative issue, and treating that with the right frequency. However, when it works, it is almost miraculous. In the hands of an experienced practitioner, it is an excellent treatment, and there are units available for home use. That is what I use. NAYY

[OldLincoln]

In the USAF we had ready access to 100% O2 and used it to cure headaches, hangovers - especially hangovers, and my buddy even used LOX (liquid O2) to freeze off warts.

[Handgunner45]

I was diagnosed 16 years ago with "Cluster Headaches", and yes, it is a very identifiable disorder. Over the years I have tried many different things, even paying out of pocket for Imitrex injections , and found nothing that provided much relief. I heard about the O2 therapy on a discussion board about 7 years ago and started a crusade to get myself on O2 for them. For a while I was even using the O2 they sell for welding use, until I got the VA to prescribe it for me. All I can say is it is a very effective treatment for my cluster headaches. Cant say how effective it would be for any other headaches. I have noticed a decline in the number and frequency of my Cluster attacks since CPAP, but it has only been a little over 2 years, and I have had good years in the past, so I am holding up on my decision that CPAP has had any effect.

[moombeam]

Actually, "cluster headaches" is a very specific type of headache, readily identifiable. It doesn't just mean a bunch of headaches.

I've heard of the O2 therapy, before, but because it was so specific to the cluster headaches, I never tried it. My silver bullet for my long term, frequent migraines has been Frequency Specific Microcurrent. It is a little like TENS, but more sophisticated. I went from 3-4 migraines a week, to going months without a migraine. It even works, for me, to stop a migraine once it starts. To me, that is as good as a cure.

CPAP has also been a help, as I have been able to reduce my microcurrent treatments, but I won't ever be without my microcurrent again. YMMV, as it requires identifying the causative issue, and treating that with the right frequency. However, when it works, it is almost miraculous. In the hands of an experienced practitioner, it is an excellent treatment, and there are units available for home use. That is what I use. NAYY

YMMV What's that and how did you go about finding this treatment?
did you go to a practitioner first? does Insurance pay this? Or did you experiment first.

And what is NAYY
With all theses acronyms we will soon be back to grunting.
Thanks for writing this I have a girlfriend that has migraines every other day
Moombeam