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.
How is a Cluster Headache Treated?
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.