Cluster headache warning signs

While migraine headaches are more common in women, cluster headaches are more common in men. The pain, however, can often be as severe as that of a migraine headache. Scientists have not yet found the cause of cluster headaches, but they do know that these headaches are not related to any other illnesses or diseases, and they are not hereditary.

There is usually no warning sign that a cluster headache is about to start. They start suddenly, and the pain increases quickly. A person may feel pain and pressure behind one or both eyes, and the eye may even become red and swollen, not to mention watery. The nose may also become red, swollen, and mucous may drain.

Cluster headaches can last anywhere from half an hour to forty-five minutes or more, but unlike migraines, they are quickly recurring. The sufferer will usually experience cluster headaches around the same time each day for up to eight weeks. These periods of headaches may be experienced every few months or so as well. This makes cluster headaches very scary if the sufferer doesn’t expect it. Often, people think they have a serious health problem, even though they don’t. However, for sufferers, cluster headaches are a serious health problem in themselves. The pain is severe. When one headache ends, they know that another one will come the next day or in a few hours. Some people report up to six or more headaches each and every day of the cluster period.

While tests are not required to diagnose cluster headaches, your doctor may suggest them anyway, just to rule out other serious health problems. Recurring headaches such as these are often the sign of neurological problems, and that does need to be ruled out. It is important that you tell your doctor how often the headaches are occurring, read more