Cluster Headaches

What is a cluster headache?

Cluster headaches are a series of headaches occurring in the same region of the head throughout the day. Sufferers often experience two to three of these headaches per day. Nighttime cluster headaches can be more painful than daytime headaches, and often wake up the sufferer a few hours after they have fallen asleep.

Cluster headaches typically occur a few times per day everyday for between two weeks and a few months. It has been found that sufferers of cluster headaches experience regular periods of headaches; for example, some people suffering from cluster headaches only suffer during one season in the year. These headaches are not common, and are most prevalent in younger people.

What are some symptoms of cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches cause intense pain, localized on one side of the head, near or behind the eyes. The pain is consistent and often described as “burning.” While cluster headaches are usually short in length, from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, more variable times, from 15 minutes to three hours, have been observed.

Sufferers will notice a pattern in their cluster headaches, from the site of the pain to the time of day that the headaches start. Although these headaches don’t usually last for more than a few weeks, there have been cases of people suffering from chronic cluster headaches that lasted up to a year or longer.

What are some treatment options for cluster headaches?

Professional medical help is necessary, and a doctor can prescribe medication. Abortive medications can be taken when a cluster headache is starting, and will stop the headache from becoming worse. Preventative medications will not stop cluster headaches, but can help shorten the length and severity of pain associated with such headaches.

Those suffering from chronic cluster headaches may require surgical intervention.