Cluster headaches are most often confused to be migraines or several other types of headaches. Cluster headaches are a neurological disease that involves an intense amount of pain that can last for minutes or hours hence it is nicknamed suicidal headache.

It is a rare type of headache most common in men that usually starts behind or around an eye, sometimes radiating to the neck or shoulder and is very severe. Cluster headaches are repeated headaches and can occur at any age however most common in adolescence and middle age. The main cause of these headaches is not known but family history plays a minor role in cluster headache than a few other types of headaches.

Some of the causes that trigger cluster headaches are heavy smoking, some medications, an interruption in normal sleep patterns, problems with the hypothalamus that is known to control the bodys biological clock, alcohol use, stress and certain foods. Cluster headaches start as severe, sudden headaches and occur 2 to 3 hours before falling asleep. It is a one sided head pain that makes the eye and nose on the same side swell up, red and runny, occurring repeatedly every day at the same time for several weeks before it goes away.

Cluster headaches often go undiagnosed for many years as patients often assume it to be a migraine or other causes of headaches. The treatment for cluster headaches does not cure the headache itself however it is to relieve the symptoms such as the pain when it happens and to prevent the headaches. The doctor may prescribe several weeks of anti-inflammatory, steroid, medicines starting with a high dosage at first then gradually decreasing it and breathing in 100% oxygen for some patients helps them relieve the pain. To prevent the headache doctors may prescribe Ergot preparations and Methysergide maleate however it is always best to check with the prescribing physician as some of these medicines might have side effects.

The best way for patients to find out if they have cluster headaches or not is to check with the doctor by describing the symptoms when the headache occurs whilst they perform a physical exam. An MRI of the head may be conducted to rule out other causes for cluster headaches.

Though cluster headaches are painful and unbearable at times it is not considered life-threatening and usually does not cause permanent structural changes. However cluster headaches are severe in terms of pain and can get in the way with daily routines and activities therefore it is always best to see a general practitioner when early symptoms of cluster headaches begin to occur.

All The Best! Take Care.