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Examining The Neck of a Cluster Headache Sufferer

November 8, 2009 by dean · Leave a Comment 

I was talking to a neurologist when in the UK recently and he mentioned that he was writing a case study of a cluster headache sufferer who has been free of cluster headache since his neck was treated. This is not a surprise to me as cluster headache frequently responds to treatment of relevant neck disorders.

This discussion reminded me of patient I saw when in The Netherlands about 5 years ago. This gentleman was 55 years of age and had suffered cluster headache since he was 25 years of age. His episodes lasted 6 months and occurred every 5 years.

I have mentioned that a key diagnostic finding when examining the upper neck structures is the temporary reproduction of headache and for headache to lessen as the technique is sustained. I examined this man when he was not experiencing an attack. Not only was I able to reproduce his head pain, but his eye started to water and his nose started to run, just as if he was in the middle of an attack – those of you who are cluster headache sufferers will identify with this!

Unfortunately I lost touch with this gentleman so I am not sure of the outcome or if in fact he sought treatment ….. but I would be confident of a successful outcome in experienced hands.

Cheers

Dean

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About dean
Consultant Headache & Migraine Physiotherapist; International Teacher; Director, The Headache Clinic & Watson Headache Institute; PhD Candidate Murdoch University, Western Australia; Adjunct Lecturer, Masters Program, Physiotherapy School, University of South Australia; MAppSc(Res) GradDipAdvManipTher Experienced health practitioners trained in the Watson Headache Approach perform the examination and treatment techniques developed by Dean Watson. These techniques are based on his extensive experience of 7000 headache patients (21,000 hours) over 21 years and are now taught internationally. For your nearest practitioner who has completed training in the ‘Watson Headache Approach’ please refer to the ‘Practitioner Directory’.

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