Source: Created by cluster headache patient, Bob Kipple.
The KIP Scale was created specifically to describe the pain of a cluster headache attack.
0 | No pain, life is beautiful |
1 | Very minor, shadows come and go. Life is still beautiful |
2 | More persitent shadows |
3 | Shadows are getting constant but can deal with it |
4 | Starting to get bad, want to be left alone |
5 | Still not a “pacer” but need space |
6 | Wake up grumbling, curse a bit, but can get back to sleep without “dancing” |
7 | Wake up, sleep not an option, take the beast for a walk and finally fall into bed exhausted |
8 | Time to scream, yell, curse, head bang, rock, whatever works |
9 | The “Why me?” syndrome starts to set in |
10 | Major pain, screaming, head banging, ER trip, depressed, suicidal. |