Cluster headache is a fairly rare form of headache that mainly affects men. The symptoms of cluster headache are severe pain that develops around or behind one eye and often occurs at night. The sufferer may wake up during the night with these symptoms and there may be congestion of the nose and/or eye. The nasal opening on the painful side is blocked and produces a discharge on that side. The sufferer is often very restless. Cluster headache lasts for a definite time period usually about fifteen to ninety minutes and can occur on a daily basis or in cluster periods for days or weeks.
They may occur for periods of four to eight weeks every few months for example and may even stop completely for a year or more. Many people have attacks that last for thirty to forty-five minutes.
What Is the Cause of Cluster Headache?
The actual cause of cluster headache is not known. Some theories suggest that excessive smoking and /or alcohol consumption can trigger an attack but this has not been proven. This type of headache doesn’t seem to be related to other illnesses or to any brain diseases and they don’t appear to be inherited from our parents.
How Can I be Sure it is a Cluster Headache?
Your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on your description of the symptoms you experience. In particular, the time and pattern of attacks are very important in determining whether it is indeed a cluster headache. It is recommended that you keep a pain diary to track your symptoms, the duration of the headache and how frequently they occur.
Your family members or people who see you during a headache can also help by explaining to the doctor how behave during an attack. If the pain is so severe that you feel like banging your head against a wall, for example, make sure your doctor knows and don’t be ashamed to list all your symptoms.
You will most likely be given a physical exam to rule out any other illnesses or disorders.
Can I do anything to prevent headaches once a cluster period has started?
Stick to your usual routine, remain calm and avoid changing your sleep pattern. A change in sleep pattern, such as afternoon nap, can bring on cluster headache.
Alcohol will bring on headache during a cluster period. Even before you finish the first drink. Avoid alcohol completely until the cluster period is over. Cluster headache may start when you are relaxing after a stressful time.
