For almost 13 years, Nikita Rathod, 33 endured severe right-sided cluster headaches, widely regarded as one of the most painful forms of headache disorders. These were accompanied by redness in the eye and debilitating pain that lasted months. “These episodes would recur every few years, severely affecting my life and well-being. Despite consulting multiple doctors, my condition remained uncontrolled,” Rathod told mid-day. 

Troubling years

Rathod was writing her internal exam paper for her third year of the BMM course when she first experienced pain. “I felt excruciating pain, like someone was pulling my right eye very harshly. I couldn’t finish my paper and was rushed to Hinduja Hospital,” said Rathod. Despite undergoing multiple tests, CT scans and MRIs, the problem could not be diagnosed. “In the past 13 years, I have undergone several tests. But the reports always came back normal,” said Rathod. “My life would go upside down for almost two months every time I had an episode, but my college teachers, and later my colleagues and bosses at work, have been very supportive.”