Feature on managing your cluster headaches

Migraine, Cluster headache, Treatments, Symptoms

Whereas migraine is most commonly reported in women, cluster headache affects a greater number of men, and has a seriously debilitating impact on an individual's quality of life. In this article, we explain what cluster headache is, the differences between it and migraine and how best you can go about treating the condition.

Cluster headache is a relatively rare type of headache that can occur suddenly and without any warning signs. It affects less than one percent of the population, with an average age of initial onset between 27 and 30 years of age. This particular type of headache has often been described as the most excruciating of all headache disorders. When it strikes, it can hit many times a day and can last for several weeks. Biochemical, hormonal and vascular change can induce cluster headaches, but why these changes occur remains unclear.

Cluster headaches are so called because they occur in series lasting for weeks or months, separated by remission periods of approximately six to 24 months. Some people may have no periods of remission at all and this is known as Chronic Cluster Headache. These headaches, which can affect both individuals and consequently their families, are accompanied by a variety of symptoms. Families, partners and friends of somebody with cluster headache can help by taking note of a person's appearance prior to, during and in the aftermath of an attack. These annotations can assist their GP in making a more detailed and accurate diagnosis when the patient presents.

Symptoms of cluster headaches

Cluster headache is most often unilateral and during an individual cluster, the pain usually remains on one side
Attacks can last from 15-180 minutes
One to eight attacks a day during the cluster period
The pain is generally behind or around one eye and is very severe. It is often described as a sharp, burning or boring pain 'like a pencil being shoved into the eye socket'
Physical appearance can be affected with the eye and the nose, at times becoming red, engorged and watery. Sometimes the eyelid on the affected side can droop
People with cluster headache can at times become restless or agitated, finding it very difficult to sit down. They also tend to pace the room during an attack (very different to migraine).

Managing cluster headache

Seeking advice from a medical professional is the first step in finding a suitable way of managing your cluster headaches. It is useful to keep a diary of when your attacks occur and their frequency at any given time. Your GP or specialist will then have a clearer picture of what you are going through and will be better able to anticipate cluster periods.

Cluster triggers

As with migraine, changing your routine can be a trigger for cluster headache.