The good news is that there are several treatments available for cluster headaches. Work with your physician to establish the best treatment regimen for you and to discuss any side effects of prescribed medicines. Your doctor will tell you when and how to take your medicines for the best result.
If you have cluster headache your doctor will generally prescribe two medicines. One is taken regularly during a cluster period to reduce the number of headaches. This is because the level of the medication in your blood must be high at the time when your attacks usually start in order for it to be effective.
You will be prescribed a second medicine to relieve the pain when a cluster headache occurs. Due to the fact that attacks begin suddenly you must be ready to take this medicine as soon as an attack begins so keep your medication near your bed and explain to family members about your headaches and medicines. You may need some help during an attack especially if you are sleepy.
It is important to note that medicines taken by mouth are not fast acting enough to alleviate and attack so your doctor may prescribe a medicine that is taken by inhaler, an injection or a rectal suppository.
Rapidly breathing pure oxygen through a mask or using a local anesthetic in their nose are alternative treatments that work for some people.
Coping with Cluster Headache
Cluster headache is painful and disruptive to normal functioning but if you get the appropriate treatment regimen it will be able to see you through the worst of your attacks. The use of preventive medicines will help to reduce the number of headaches you get during cluster periods.
If a cluster headache does occur, the correct medicines will help to shorten the duration and severity of symptoms.
Do consult your doctor if you think your symptoms may indicate cluster headache as adequate treatment could make a big difference to your quality of life. Never ever suffer in silence - get help for your cluster headache and you may find it evolves into a minor nuisance rather than one that deeply affects your life and health.
