What Are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are extremely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. They are characterized by severe, burning pain on one side of the head, typically centered around the eye.
Key Characteristics
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Intensity: Often described as the most severe type of headache
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Duration: Usually 15-180 minutes per attack
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Frequency: Can occur 1-8 times per day during a cluster period
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Location: One-sided (unilateral) pain, typically around the eye
Common Symptoms
- Intense pain around or behind one eye
- Eye redness and tearing
- Nasal congestion or runny nose on the affected side
- Facial sweating
- Eyelid drooping
- Restlessness during attacks
Triggers and Risk Factors
Common Triggers:
- Alcohol consumption
- Strong smells
- Bright lights
- Changes in sleep patterns
- High altitudes
Risk Factors:
- Male gender (more common in men)
- Age (typically begins between 20-40)
- Smoking history
- Family history
Treatment Options
Acute Treatments
- Oxygen therapy
- Sumatriptan injections
- Local anesthetics (nasal spray)
- Octreotide
Preventive Treatments
- Calcium channel blockers
- Corticosteroids
- Lithium
- Anti-seizure medications
Self-Management Strategies
- Maintain regular sleep schedule
- Avoid known triggers
- Keep a headache diary
- Practice stress management
- Stay well-hydrated
When to Seek Medical Help
- First-time cluster headache symptoms
- Changes in pattern or severity
- New or unusual symptoms
- Inadequate pain control
Long-term Outlook
While there is no cure for cluster headaches, they can be effectively managed with proper medical care and lifestyle modifications. Many patients experience long periods of remission between clusters.