Cluster Headache: Triggers, Symptoms And Treatment Options

A headache can strike anywhere at any time, at work, at home or on the go.The pain can be dull and throbbing, or sharp and pinpointed. No matter when or where a headache comes on, you just want the pain to stop. But when it comes to managing and preventing cluster headache, it becomes a real challenge as most of the people are still not clear about this type of headache. One of the most annoying and bothersome types of headache is a cluster headache

What is a cluster headache?

A cluster headache is one-sided head pain that may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose. Attacks occur at regular intervals for 1 week to a longer duration, separated by long pain-free periods that last at least 1 month, possibly longer. The pain occurs on one side of the head. It may be described as burning, sharp and continuous pain. And it may occur in, behind, and around one eye. It may involve one side of the face from neck to temples. It quickly gets worse, peaking within 5 to 10 minutes. The strongest pain may last 30 minutes to 2 hours.

What are the possible causes?

No one knows exactly what causes cluster headaches. However, many experts believe that a cluster headache and migraine headache share a common cause that begins in the nerve that carries sensation from your head to your brain (trigeminal nerve) and ends with the blood vessels that surround your brain. The pain arises in the deep vascular channels in your head (for example, the cavernous sinus) and does not involve the trigeminal system.

Are there any triggers?

Some of the lifestyle triggers that may lead to cluster headache attacks include:

-Alcohol and smoking

-High altitudes (trekking, air travel)

-Bright light (including sunlight)

-Exertion

-Heat (hot weather, hot baths)

-Foods high in nitrites (such as preserved meats)

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms include:

-Swelling under or around the eye (may affect both eyes)

-Excessive tearing

-Redness in the eyes

-A runny nose) or one-sided stuffy nose (same side as the head pain)

-Red, flushed face

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor if headaches do not respond to analgesics, headaches disturb your sleep, you get headaches whenever you are active or headaches occur with other danger symptoms, like:

-Changes in alertness, changes in movement or sensation, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting, seizures and vision changes.

What are the treatment options?

-Your doctor may recommend Triptans, such as sumatriptan or anti-inflammatory (steroid) medicines such as prednisone — starting with a high dose, and then slowly decreasing it over 2-3 weeks or injections of dihydroergotamine to treat it instantly.