Am I suffering with Cluster headaches?

The attacks with Cluster headaches are excruciating and have been described as probably one of the most painful conditions known to man.

Who tends to get Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headaches although rare are more common in men and the onset is usually between the ages of 20-40 years.

How do I know if it is a cluster headache?

The pain most commonly affects one side of the head, but it can move from one side of the head to the other, even during an attack. Other symptoms that occur with cluster headaches and distinguish it from other headaches include:

• watering and redness in the eye
• runny nose and congestion
• drooping or swelling of the eyelid – these symptoms occur on the same side as the headache
• Forehead and facial sweating
• During an attack, people often show restlessness walking up and down or rocking to and fro
• Some may also get some nausea, light or sound sensitivity

The attacks can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours and happen 1-2 times a day but can be as many as 8 times a day – they occur in clusters of 2 weeks to 3 months!

Clusters may be predictable in some people e.g., seasonal or at set times of day, including at night.

Other triggers can include alcohol and strong smells!

Some women have described the pain to be worse than the pain experienced during childbirth!

They are the most well-known headache of a group of headaches called Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgias.

What can I do to help these headaches?

During the attack >

People often attend the A and E departments as the pain is so bad.

The most effective medication for cluster headaches is Sumatriptan either injected or given up the nose.

Traditional pain killers are not effective in this condition and are not usually given.

Oxygen via a mask can also be an effective treatment given alongside Sumatriptan.

Once the diagnosis has been made patients will usually be referred to a Specialist or a GP with a special interest in headaches – they may try you on medication that will prevent the cluster headaches from happening.

Preventative treatments >

Verapamil is a drug that is effective for cluster headache prevention but requires monitoring of the heart, by having an ECG (Electrocardiogram) before starting it and with any does change.

Other drug choices that might be tried are oral steroids, lithium or melatonin.

These all aim to reduce both the frequency and severity of attacks – often completely stopping the attacks!

If you want to know more or have concerns over your symptoms, come and chat with one of the physicians at CheckUp Health!

Download the CheckUp Health app now and book a video or audio call with a private GP, daytime or evening, 7 days/week