Understanding Cluster Headache: Causes & Care

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Cluster headaches are really painful for everyone. It is the most painful type of headache. This cluster of headaches may cause a sharp and severe pain in one side of the head or usually around one eye. This headache is rare but intense for those who experience this. Well, without wasting any time. Let’s study what is Cluster Headache, what are the symptoms, causes and treatments. Everything you need to know about clusters are mentioned in this article!

What is Cluster Headache

The Cluster Headache is the severe type of headache which cause a severe pain around the eye or in center of the eye. When Cluster Headache is caused, its pain is not tolerable. It maybe disrupt daily life activities. It is important to know how to manage it properly .

Cluster headaches are different from other headaches. This pain comes suddenly. It lasts about 15 minutes to 3 hours. Well, This condition can be so difficult for those who are experiencing. Because it causes severe pain which disturb daily life activities and work.

Symptoms of Cluster Headache

The symptoms of cluster headaches are helpful for everyone to identify this. Some of common symptoms are given below:

Severe Pain Suddenly: The one eye or one side of the head between eye and ear start hurting severely. This sudden and sharp pain sensation feels like hot and not tolerable.

Feeling Nauseous: Well, this symptom is common in only females who is having clusters. The sharp pain of clusters maybe feels like you are about to vomit.

Eye Redness: The eye which is hurting in cluster may become red and swollen, and starts tearing continuously.

Runny Nose: A runny or blocked nose on the same side is common during cluster headache attack.

Restlessness: When people having cluster headaches feels restless. They feels uneasy to sit or lay down normally.

Causes Of Cluster Headache

Well, the exact cause of cluster headaches is not fully recognized yet. But some researchers believe that this maybe relate to hypothalamus. Which is the part of our brain which controls sleep, temperature and hormones release. Well, I and some researchers believe that this condition maybe occur when the nerve pathways around the eye become more sensitive.

The following are the main cluster headache triggers:

• Alcohol use or smoking cigarettes.
• Change to a high altitude.
• Bright light.
• Exercise or exertion.
• Heat, from either the weather or a bath.
• Foods that contain nitrates, such as bacon or lunch meat.
• Cocaine use.

Now, knowing about your triggers can help you to reduce the chances of these headaches.

Cluster Headache Frequency

Cluster headache Frequency can vary greatly from person to person. Some people witness these headaches formerly or twice a time, while others may have multiple attacks every day for weeks or indeed months. The headaches tend to do at the same time each day, frequently waking people up in the middle of the night.

The cluster pain is really very severe. It lasts about 15 minutes - 3 hours maximum. The cluster migraines pain is shaper than other headaches. It is important to know earlier how to manage this at home.

Medications for Cluster Headaches

Doctors generally give both acute treatments to relieve pain during an attack and preventative treatments to reduce the frequency of attacks. The cluster headache treatment are given below:

Acute Treatment:

• Triptans: These medication are for migraines but also given for cluster headaches.
• Oxygen Therapy: Oxygen therapy is also used to reduce the intensity of cluster headaches. Breathing in pure oxygen maybe helpful in this.
• Pain Relievers: Some strong pain relievers are used in the combination of other treatment.

Preventative Treatment:

• Verapamil: This medication is helpful to reduce the chances of clusters.
• Steroids: Corticosteroids, like prednisone, can help reduce inflammation and help cluster headaches, especially at the starting of a cluster .
• Lithium: It is the mood- stabilizing drug which doctors recommend to take to prevent cluster headaches.

Cluster Headache Treatment at Home

Well, there is no permanent cure for cluster headaches. But don’t worry, there are some steps you can take to manage this cluster headache disease.

• Avoid known triggers: As we talked about tiggers earlier. It is important to avoid the triggers like alcohol, cocaine use, and cigarettes etc..
• Use of Ice Packs: Apply ice pack to the neck or head which is hurting to reduce the pain.
• Be in Calm Environment: Be in calm places which is free from crowds, noises and pollutants.

FAQs About Cluster Headaches

Q. How long can a cluster headache last?

Ans. The cluster headaches lasts about 15 minutes - 3 hours maximum.

Q. What to do when cluster headache occurs?

Ans. When a cluster headache starts, quickly using ice packs at hurting area and be in calm places. Take oxygen therapy or triptan injections maybe helpful for you.

In The End

After all, if you are the one who know experiences of symptoms of cluster headache, it is important to seek medical advice from a doctor. With right treatment, it is easy to prevent or reduce the chances of cluster headaches.