Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches, as the name suggests involves a grouping of headaches, usually over a period of several weeks. Common features are:
- Severe, unilateral pain around an eye or temple that lasts between 15min and 3 hours and can occur between once every couple of days to 8 times a day.
- Associated symptoms on the same side as the headache include: a red eye, excessive tears, nasal congestion, and excessive forehead and facial sweating.
Cluster headaches can be episodic or chronic in nature. Episodic cluster headaches are when patients have a respite from symptoms for more than a month.
Cluster headache treatments for pain relief
Treatments during an acute episode include: oxygen, medications used in migraine, and stronger pain relief.
Preventive medications
Preventive medications are similar to those used in Migraine and include: calcium channel blockers, mood stabilizers, and anticonvulsants. More invasive nerve blocks and surgical procedures have been used in patients not responsive to these medications.
Triggers
Avoiding triggers to the cluster headache is important e.g. sleep disturbance, strong emotions and excessive physical activity.
Get frequent migraines? Act now!
If you or a member of your family suffer from frequent migraines then we may be able to help. Simply contact us to book an appointment for assessment and treatment at one of our clinics (or if you have any questions).
