Cluster Headache
Description
A cluster headache is a primary headache, meaning it is not part of a larger or another issue. One of the most painful conditions a person can get is a cluster headache. About 1 in 1000 persons have this uncommon type of headache. Men experience it more frequently than women. It most commonly begins when people are in their 30s and 40s (but can affect people at any age). The primary symptom is a severe headache on one side of the head, frequently near the eye. Your life may be disrupted by cluster headaches for several weeks or even months. They frequently appear at the same time every day and tend to follow patterns. They may also wake you up one or two hours after getting to bed. The pain from these headaches at night could be worse than it is during the day. Cluster headache typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. Within a 24-hour period, you can get up to eight headaches and it might continue like this for weeks or even months. The clusters typically pause after that for unknown reasons. For months or years, the headaches go into remission before coming back. However, some people never have any luck. They regularly (chronically) suffer from cluster headaches; one in five people who suffer from cluster headaches experiences this.
Symptoms
Cluster headaches start suddenly and without any prior pain. On one side of the head, the pain is extremely intense and frequently described as a burning, or piercing sensation. It is frequently felt near the eye, temple, and occasionally the cheek. With each attack, it typically targets the same side.
Because of how strong the pain is during an attack, people frequently feel restless and agitated and may react by rocking, pacing, or slamming their heads against walls.
If you are suffering from cluster headache, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms in the affected side:
- Pain
- Eye swelling
- Red and watery eye
- Drooping and swelling of the eyelid
- Face sweating
- Blocked or runny nose
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a General Practitioner (General Practice doctor), who might refer you to a Neurologist (Brain and Nerves doctor), for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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View MoreCauses
Although the exact reason for cluster headaches is unknown, they have been associated with activity in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain.
Smokers are more susceptible to developing cluster headaches.
There may be a hereditary link between cluster headaches and other family members for certain people who get them.
A cluster headache attack may occasionally be brought on by consuming alcohol or by inhaling strong odors like paint, perfume, or gasoline.
Diagnostics
Cluster headache patients are often referred to a consultant neurologist or headache specialist for review and treatment.
A doctor will often make a diagnosis by:
- Investigating a patient's symptoms and headache history.
- Examining the nervous system.
- Requesting a brain scan like a brain MRI or CT scan to rule out a secondary reason
Treatment
No cure is available for cluster headaches. Two categories of treatment could be used to control cluster headaches:
- Acute treatment to stop an attack when it is happening. (For example: sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)
- Preventive treatment to prevent attacks and decrease the severity. (For example: verapamil, corticosteroids, lithium carbonate, divalproex sodium, melatonin, topiramate)
Preventing cluster headache:
Avoiding triggers like drinking alcohol and smoking is the best approach to prevent cluster headaches. Additionally, if you think you may have sleep apnea, get treated; cluster headaches have some connection to the sleep disorder.
