Why does cluster headache occur

Symptoms of Cluster Headache Cluster headache consists of severe headaches on one side of the head. Examples of other primary headache disorders that mimic cluster headache include: migraine with prominent autonomic features paroxysmal hemicrania short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with red eye and tearing conjunctival injection and tearing hemicrania continua Treatment of Cluster Headaches Brewer says that treatment of cluster headache is still misunderstood, and that the patient community is often lumped in with migraine despite being two very different conditions.

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Post-Traumatic Headache in Veterans. Join Our Newsletter. Cluster headaches usually occur in cyclical patterns called cluster periods. Possible symptoms include severe pain in or around one eye or on one side of your head. There may be tearing, nasal stuffiness and a runny nostril on the affected side of the head. A cluster headache strikes quickly, usually without warning, although you might first have migraine-like nausea and aura. Common signs and symptoms during a headache include:. People with cluster headache, unlike those with migraine, are likely to pace or sit and rock back and forth.

Some migraine-like symptoms — including sensitivity to light and sound — can occur with a cluster headache, though usually on one side. A cluster period generally lasts for several weeks to months. The starting date and the duration of each cluster period might be consistent from period to period. For example, cluster periods can occur seasonally, such as every spring or every fall.

Most people have episodic cluster headaches. In episodic cluster headaches, the headaches occur for one week to a year, followed by a pain-free remission period that can last as long as 12 months before another cluster headache develops.

Chronic cluster periods might continue for more than a year, or pain-free periods might last less than one month. The pain usually ends as suddenly as it began, with rapidly decreasing intensity.

Several medicines are used to prevent cluster headache attacks:. A true cluster headache is not life threatening and does not cause permanent brain damage. But, they tend to be chronic, recurrent, and can interfere with your lifestyle or work. To prevent a cluster headache, it's important to identify what triggers your headaches. Try avoiding smoking and alcohol use. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a medicine regimen that will help prevent cluster headaches. There are some danger signs that may occur with cluster headaches that warrant immediate medical care.

These include:. Health Home Conditions and Diseases Headache. What causes cluster headaches? The following may trigger cluster headaches: Alcohol use or smoking cigarettes Change to a high altitude Bright light Exercise or exertion Heat, either weather or a bath Foods that contain nitrates, such as bacon or lunch meat Cocaine use What are the symptoms of cluster headaches?

These are common symptoms of a cluster headache: Sudden onset of pain, generally around or behind the eye Pain builds to a peak in about 10 to 15 minutes Restlessness or agitation Red or watering eyes Nasal congestion Sweating on the forehead Eyelid drooping or swelling The symptoms of a cluster headache may look like other conditions or medical problems. How are cluster headaches diagnosed?

Many people find attacks come on at night, and they may wake up with it in the middle of the night, very often at the same time every night Some people do experience nausea and sensitivity to light during cluster headache.

The pain usually ends suddenly. Most people are pain free but exhausted after an attack Pattern of attacks People are likely to experience bouts of frequent attacks cluster periods which last from weeks to months. Cluster headache can be episodic or chronic: episodic cluster headache — bouts last from 7 days to one year separated by pain free periods lasting at least 3 months.

Most cluster periods usually last between 2 weeks and 3 months. Up to 2 in 10 people with cluster headache have chronic cluster headache. Taiyeba shares her experience of cluster headache and chronic migraine Read her story here VisualV1 - Arrow Created with Sketch. Diagnosing cluster headache There is no test for cluster headache. Usually a doctor will make a diagnosis by: asking about symptoms and history of headache.

It can be helpful to keep a headache diary detailing symptoms. Treatment for cluster headache There is no cure for cluster headache. Preventive treatment to decrease the severity and prevent attacks. Preventive treatment Verapamil is the preventive treatment of choice for cluster headache.

Corticosteroids — these can provide short-term relief. Helpline: Website: www. Like to stay up to date with the latest news from The Migraine Trust? Sign up here.