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Tom Zeller Jr's new book tackles cluster headaches

Zeller details his battle with cluster headaches and unconventional treatment methods in his new book.

July 20, 2025 at 11:09 PM

The truth about 'suicide headaches' and the bizarre treatments I tried in search of a cure

Tom Zeller Jr explores his battle with cluster headaches in a new book detailing unique treatments.

Cluster headaches and the quest for relief through unconventional treatments

Tom Zeller Jr, a 56-year-old science journalist from Montana, has battled cluster headaches for nearly thirty years. His newly released book, The Headache: The Science of a Most Confounding Affliction – and a Search for Relief, recounts his journey through the unpredictable and debilitating nature of this disorder. Zeller describes his experience with treatments ranging from traditional medications to more unconventional methods like Psilocybin mushrooms and chugging excessive amounts of water. Despite a lack of extensive research on primary headache disorders, Zeller sheds light on the challenges of managing cluster headaches, which affect about 1 in 1,000 Americans. He aims to raise awareness while sharing his personal struggles with these often misunderstood ailments.

Key Takeaways

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Cluster headaches affect about 1 in 1,000 Americans.

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Zeller chronicles decades of struggling with pain and unconventional treatments.

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The condition often drives patients away from opportunities due to debilitating attacks.

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Stigma leads many to hide their suffering, limiting support and understanding.

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There is a noted lack of research on the effectiveness of specific treatments for cluster headaches.

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Recent FDA-approved CGRP medications provide new hope for some patients.

"They're excruciatingly painful."

Zeller describes the intensity of cluster headache pain.

"It’s just terrible to be seen in this way."

Zeller expresses the stigma often attached to his condition.

"The thing that surprised me most was that so little research was out there."

Zeller reflects on the scarcity of studies on cluster headaches.

"I hope they feel seen by the book."

Zeller shares his hope to connect with other sufferers through his writing.

Zeller's book highlights a significant gap in the medical community's understanding of cluster headaches, often overshadowed by more common conditions like migraines. This lack of attention may lead patients to resort to unconventional treatments in desperation for relief. The stigma surrounding headache disorders, as expressed by Zeller, adds another layer to the struggle, with many victims feeling isolated and misunderstood. With emerging treatments like CGRP drugs, there is hope for better management of these excruciating headaches. Yet, Zeller's experience reflects a larger issue in healthcare regarding the adequacy of research and resources dedicated to lesser-known medical conditions.

Highlights

You never know when the next attack will come, it feels like a ticking time bomb.
Some treatments are so bizarre, yet they offer a sense of hope amidst despair.
This book is not just about headaches, it is about enduring a great struggle.
We must make room for these stories to be told, they matter.