Lidocaine Ointment

I have had good success with aborting attacks with the application of 5% lidocaine ointment to the rear surface of the nostril on the affected side with a cotton swab at the first sign of an attack. It burns a little, but it's worth it. 5% works better than 2% and ointment works better than jelly.

Basically, you just stick a glob on the swab and aim it to the back of your neck until you hit paydirt, then rub it on. I have actually come to enjoy the burning sensation because I know that it is helping. If it's not burning, you haven't put it in the right place or else you haven't used enough.

A prescription is required and a tube costs about $20. It can be obtained much more cheaply ($3) and without a prescription in many countries. One of the chief complaints about (lidocaine) drops is that they run down the nose into the throat and the ointment eliminates this problem.

It is not 100% effective in aborting the attacks, maybe 80% for me, but it definitely reduces the intensity and duration of those that it does not completely abort. I would caution that, although it can eliminate the pain, I still have the usual Horner's syndrome, in full force, and some of my other symptoms, such as restlessness, grumpiness, and post-headache sleepiness, but in reduced intensity.

Because of the low investment and great potential payoff, I would recommend that any Clusterhead who hasn't tried this do so.

Last modified: 2002