About Cluster Headache
What Is A Cluster Headache?
Affecting only 0.1% of the population, Cluster Headache is one of the few headache disorders predominantly affecting men (5-6 times) more than women. This headache type is regarded as the most excruciating to experience, quite commonly recording the highest levels of pain scores.
Cluster Headache Diagnosis
How Do We Diagnose A Cluster Headache?
Classified by the International Headache Society (IHS) under a collective called Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias, this group includes SUNCT/SUNA, paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua. It is characterised by the presence of distinct autonomic features such as a watery eye or runny nose but only on one side.
The distinctive feature of this type of headache is that ‘attacks’ occur in clusters. They will often just ‘appear out of nowhere’ every 12 months to two years. The severe pain can last for 30-45 minutes, often at night, but each episode may occur up to eight times a day. People will often describe the pain building up in severity until it reaches a crescendo before gradually settling down over the 45 minutes. This process repeats itself on a daily basis, gradually getting worse over time before slowly settling down and disappearing 6-12 weeks later. In between these periods of severe headaches, a long period of remission will occur lasting from months to years where the person has no headaches at all.
Cluster Headache Symptoms
Head pain
Severe pain behind or around the one eye
Can radiate around face, head and neck
Unileteral head pain
Restlessness Breathing Difficulties
Eye discomfort
Redness in the eyeWatery adn teary eye
Swelling around eye and eyelid
Dropping of eyelid
Runny or congested nose
Cluster Headaches – Frequently Asked Questions
Are cluster headaches serious?
Cluster headaches can be serious because it is regarded as the most excruciating to experience, quite commonly recording the highest level of pain scores. However, a true cluster headache is not life threatening and is not known to cause brain damage.
Can cluster headaches be treated?
Treatment is focused on treating the acute pain episodes but also trying to find the root cause of the headaches. The acute pain is quite often treated with strong pain medications but also combined with supplemental oxygen.
We have found that dysfunction in the neck can be a primary driver of these types of headaches. The Watson Headache® Approach focuses on addressing the underlying mechanical dysfunctions in the upper neck causing the referred pain to the head.
What causes cluster headaches?
As well as an underlying neck dysfunction, common triggers such as alcohol especially red wine, food containing nitrates including dark chocolate, beets, garlic, strong odours, certain medication and seasonality can cause cluster headaches.
Are cluster headaches genetic?
Research shows that cluster headaches are associated with various hereditary patterns and is an inherited disorder in a subset of families.
How to prevent cluster headaches?
Cluster headaches can be prevented by knowing your triggers. Starting a headache diary can be helpful in finding triggers.
What helps cluster headaches at home?
The acute pain is quite often treated with strong pain medications but also combined with supplemental oxygen.
Do cluster headaches occur from stress?
Stress is a recognised trigger for migraines and it may also play a role in cluster headache episodes.
Can cluster headaches be permanent?
Cluster headaches can become less frequent and less severe with treatment or, at times, on their own.
Do cluster headaches need to be treated?
This is individual’s decision. However, if untreated, cluster headaches can become more frequent and severe.
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