Cluster Headache Symptoms...Causes And Triggers,
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We have a massage therapist on board here at chronic-pain-management-support.com who has treated many folks with cluster headache symptoms. She is extremely knowledgeable because of all her experience and the tons of research she has done on this topic.
You are in good hands! We have great information for you on this site to help you to learn about cluster headache symptoms, headache triggers and cluster headache treatment tips.
First..let’s talk about…
What is a cluster headache?
- They are less common than a migraine or tension headache
- The episodes of painful attacks last over a period of days to weeks
- The pain peaks and then subsides
- The pain can peak in little as 5 minutes to over an hour
- Can suffer from many headaches in one day
- More common in men
Two Types of Cluster Headaches
- Episodic…One can suffer from 2-3 headaches a day for about 2 months and then not have any for a year. This pattern will repeat and is the most common.
- Chronic…There is no relief for a significant period of time. The headache behaves as the episodic attacks.
Cluster Headache Symptoms
- Intense pain is the most common symptom
- Pain occurs without warning and may present with a burning sensation on one side of your nose or deep in your eye
- Pain feels like an explosive, deep or excruciating sensation in the eye with an electrical shock like period
- Occurs on one side of the face and usually always occurs on that side with the other occurring episodes
- Usually occurs after you just go to sleep
- The eye on the side of the episode will tear
- The eyelid of that eye will droop
- Will also produce a one-sided nasal stuffiness and then a runny nose
- Vary seasonally. Spring and Fall seem to be the most common.
Cluster Headache Triggers or Causes
- Exact cause unknown
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Processed meats
- Sudden temperature changes
- Tobacco
- Stress
- Perfume
- Intense odors
Cluster Headache Treatment and Medication
Our favorite treatments for cluster headache symptoms are those that you can do at home and without headache medication.
The first thing we would suggest is to eliminate all the triggers and begin a stress reduction plan.
Our favorite is guided imagery and massage therapy. Both of these options can give you a life-time of pain management.
- Guided Imagery…is using images to change your brain’s impression of the pain you are experiencing. We like Dr. Andrew Weil’s Guided Imagery CDs. He will present various peaceful images for you to imagine and heal your pain.
- Massage Therapy…can reduce stress and muscle tension. Regular massages on a weekly or monthly basis can be a great treatment for reducing or eliminating pain from your headache.
However…sometimes our best intentions don’t get rid of the pain totally and we must then choose other options. You can discuss the following with your health care provider.
We have briefly outlined what has helped our clients
- Oxygen treatments…can be helpful. You briefly inhale 100% oxygen at a rate of 7-10 liters a minute
- Triptans…are used to treat migraines but can be effective for cluster headaches that are acute
- Dihydroergotamine…can be a drug that is administers via injection or inhalation
- Ortreotide…is an injectable synthetic version of a brain hormone, somatostatin. It has been shown as an effective treatment for cluster headaches
- Local anesthetics…such as lidocaine as nasal drops can numb the symptoms
- Corticosteroids…are used as a preventative medication. They are fast-acting for short-term use only.
- Erogtamines… are effective to prevent episodes during sleep.
- Nerve block…is where a numbing agent is injected into the area of your occipital nerve. This can prevent pain messages to the brain. This is a temporary treatment.
There are other medications used for cluster headache treatments. It is best to discuss the options of various medications with your health care provider.
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