Definition
Definition
Cluster headache is a type of severe, recurring pain that is located on one side of the head. It received its name from the clustering, or pattern, of frequent headaches that usually occur.
There are two main types of cluster headaches:
- Episodic cluster headaches—These occur one or more times daily for multiple weeks. The headaches then go away and come back months or years later.
- Chronic cluster headaches—These occur almost daily with headache-free periods lasting less than one month.
Either type of headache may switch to the other type.
Causes
Causes
The cause of cluster headaches is not known. It is thought that there is abnormal activation of the area of the brain that is responsible for regulating temperature, blood pressure, hormone release, and sleep. The pain is thought to be caused by a combination of widening of the blood vessels and inflammation of the nerves of the face.
Other possible causes include:
- Alcohol use
- Changes in barometric pressure
- Changes in sleep pattern
- Tobacco use
- Medications, such as nitroglycerin
Risk Factors
Risk Factors
Men aged 20-50 years are more likely to get cluster headaches. Other factors that may increase your chance of cluster headaches include:
- Prior head surgery or head injury
- Family history of cluster headaches
Symptoms
Symptoms
Cluster headaches may cause:
-
Stabbing, penetrating, burning, or explosive head pain that:
- Begins suddenly
- Is on one side of the head, but not both
- Often starts around the eye and spreads to the same side of the head
- Causes facial flushing
- Can occur daily or almost every day for multiple weeks
- Can occur 1-8 times per day
- Lasts 15 minutes to 3 hours
- Often occurs at about the same time each day
- May increase in intensity over time
- May start within 2 hours of going to sleep
- Can awaken you from sleep
- Causes an aura—This can include visual disturbance, visual spots, or the inability to move one side of the body.
- Restlessness and agitation
- Nausea
During the headache, other symptoms may occur on the affected side, including:
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Redness or watering of the eye on one side
- Droopy eyelid
- Constriction of the pupil of the eye
- Facial swelling and flushing, sweating
- Sensitivity to light and noise
Symptoms of a Cluster HeadacheCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical and neurological exam will be done. A neurological exam may include examining:
- Mental status
- Cranial nerve functioning
- Motor and sensory functioning
- Reflexes
- Coordination
- Walking
The doctor will ask about the frequency and pattern of your headaches. To help provide answers, you may consider keeping a diary of:
- When your headaches started and ended
- What you were doing at the time
- What you tried to relieve the pain
Imaging tests to evaluate the brain include:
Treatment
Treatment
Treatment aims to reduce the frequency of headaches and relieving pain.
Lifestyle Changes and Self-care
- Maintain the same sleep routine. Avoid afternoon naps or sleeping in, which may bring on more headaches.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Even a small amount of alcohol can trigger a headache during a cluster period.
- Learn stress management techniques. Stress can bring on a headache.
- Do not smoke. Tobacco may interfere with medications.
- Find out what your headache triggers are and take steps to avoid them.
Medication
Medications used to treat migraines often relieve sudden attacks of cluster headaches. These drugs must be taken at the first sign of a headache. Other medications may also be prescribed.
In some cases, the headache does not last long enough for medications to be helpful. Sometimes, the medications just delay an attack, rather than stop an attack.
Painkillers, especially opioids, may not be effective during an acute attack.
Other medications may be given to prevent or reduce the frequency of headaches.
Oxygen Therapy
Breathing 100% oxygen for 10-15 minutes often relieves cluster headache pain. This is often viewed as the front-line therapy for cluster headache. The oxygen appears to decrease blood flow to the affected area of the brain. People under age 50 who have episodic cluster headaches seem to benefit most from oxygen therapy.
Oxygen therapy can be expensive. There are also risks with this therapy.
Surgery
As a last resort, some doctors may recommend cutting or destroying a facial nerve to eliminate pain.
Prevention
Prevention
Sometimes, cluster headaches can be prevented by doing the following:
- Maintain a regular sleep routine.
- Avoid smoking.
- Avoid alcohol, opioid pain relievers, bright sunlight, and emotional stress.
- Get moderate physical exercise.
- Practice relaxation techniques.
- Take your medication as directed.
RESOURCES:
National Headache Foundation http://www.headaches.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Help for Headaches http://www.headache-help.org
References:
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Headache: hope through research. National Institute Of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm#193263138
Updated November 8, 2013. Accessed November 16, 2013.
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Last Updated: 12/20/2014