Cluster Headaches

Suitably named, cluster headaches appear in a series of "clusters" and are extremely painful. Typically occurring every day at a similar time for several weeks, they cause an excruciating pain that is deep and constant and usually always appearing on the side of the victims head. Unlike migraines, cluster headaches do not seem to be connected to foods or hormones. The options of treatment for sufferers normally include medication and lifestyle changes.

Cluster Headache Causes and Risk Factors

Whilst it is still unknown what causes a cluster headache, it is known there are particular factors that increase the risk of clusters. For instance, those with family history and a genetic disposition to cluster headaches are placed at higher risk. In addition, irregularity in the circadian rhythms of the body is also suspected to cause a series of cluster headaches. Although the source of cluster headaches is not definite, many elements raise the risk for sufferers. The certain types of risks include:

• A history of headaches in the family
• Hazel colored eyes
• Heavy smoking or drinking
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Some medications including nitroglycerin

Cluster Headache Symptoms

Cluster headaches are commonly experienced as a pressure or pain that starts around the eye or temples and ultimately spreads to the side of your face. Typically, it is described as a feeling of deep and ongoing severe pain that throbs continuously. Additional symptoms range from a runny nose, to droopy eyelids and feeling nauseous. Generally, cluster headaches will last for approximately thirty to forty minutes, but there are also reports of them lasting up to three or four hours. The severity of a cluster headache can cause a sufferer so much pain that they often are compelled to pace up and down or rock themselves back and forth. Alternatively, a migraine victim, usually just wants to draw the curtains and lie still in their bed. While cluster headaches can be experienced by sufferers of all ages, they are more commonly experienced by 20 to 40 year olds. Unlike migraines, they occur in men more than women.

Cluster Headache Diagnosis

A doctor will diagnose a cluster headache by asking you a range of questions regarding your symptoms, family health history, and possible triggers that may have caused your headaches. He or she will also carry out a physical exammination so that can rule out any other causes of your cluster headaches. In some cases, it may be necessary for them to request some tests to determine the reasons for your headaches.

Cluster Headache Treatment

The treatment options available for cluster headaches include certain medications that will stop a severe attack, medications that will prevent headaches occurring, and recommended lifestyle changes. The recommended treatment will depend upon how severe your cluster headache is, and how often it occurs. For those individuals not responding to traditional medicine, additional types of treatment such as surgery or histamine desensitization may be necessary. In addition, there are many changes to lifestyle a person can adopt to reduce the frequency and strength of their cluster headaches. The right type of lifestyle changes can be very important especially during the times when the cluster headaches occur. The NHF (National Headache Foundation) recommended avoiding the following lifestyle habits:

• Naps in the afternoon
• Alcohol consumption
• Smoking cigarettes
• Long periods of physical activity
• Constant exposure to chemicals

Several types of medication have been proven effective to reduce the severity, pain and duration of a cluster headache attack. In order to be effective, the medications need to be taken as soon as there are signs of an attack. There is also proof that nasal sprays or injections are very effective for cluster headaches as they enter the bloodstream faster than traditional type tablets.