It is one of the most painful headaches because of its concentration on a specific point of the head. Usually, it occurs around one eye. It is worse if you have to wake up in the middle of the night because of such a headache. It occurs in cluster and the period it lasts is dependent on how you manage the triggers. The first step to managing headaches, just like any other medical condition is identifying the cause and seek to avoid it. Avoiding the effect of cluster headaches means using preventive drugs or finding quiet and peaceful environments.
Cluster means a bout of frequent attacks. Usually, headache can be persistent in weeks or months then go for remission. During remission period, one is free from any form of pain, which creates an illusion of wellness. It is only a suppression probably because of drugs and change of environment. A remission period can also last for months or weeks and the pain will resurface.
If you have experienced frequent headaches, it is important to consult a physician because you might be on remission. While cluster headache is not life threatening it causes discomfort and hinder daily activities. Depending on the cause and therapy you implement, cluster headaches can reduce in severity or shorten the frequencies. Medication has an impact on headaches; the clusters will reduce or completely disappear.
Cluster Headaches Symptoms
Usually, a cluster headache is sudden. It comes without warning. However, if you have experienced the headache frequently, you will know when it’s coming and what triggers the pain. In most cases, people know the signs of cluster headaches but are unable to curb it. Also, some people assume the frequent pains or mistake it for common health complications. Cluster headaches are common but people tend to assume its effect and leave it to advance before consulting a doctor.
Here are some common signs;
- Excessive tearing
- Swelling around the eye
- Redness on the affected part of the eye
- Drooping or sagging eyelid
- The extreme pain is mostly around one eye but it likely spreads to other parts of the face. Sometimes, the pain can spread to the shoulders, neck, and head.
- Paleness of the skin
- The affected side of the face leads to runny and stuffy nose
- Restlessness
- Consistent facial sweating
Unlike in migraines, people with cluster headaches can engage in physical activities; bend, jog, or rock back and forth. While sensitivity to environmental factors like loud noise and bright light can occur, it is rare with cluster headaches. Still, the effect is only on the affected side of the head.
Cluster periods
The frequent headaches last between 6 to 12 weeks. The start and end of the cluster duration is consistent. Some people experience it on a specific day in summer and it ends on a specific date. The duration dates differ from one person to another depending on the cause and body resistance.
Some people experience episodic cluster headaches. In this case, the pain period ranges from one week to 12 months. It can be consistent for all the 12 months. Usually, it is a frustrating experience because medical examination may not yield any specific results with regards to causes hence no definite treatment plan.
An episodic cluster headache period is often followed by a remission where an individual is free from pain. A remission can go up to 12 months. If no effective treatment method is practiced during this period, the headaches will resume after the remission period. A remission period can be as long as a year or less than a month.
Characteristics of cluster periods
Headaches vary widely; identifying a specific headache is crucial to determining a suitable and effective treatment technique. Cluster periods differ in people; it is important to note the specific start and end dates of your cluster period to determine when to use certain medication. Also, it is crucial to determine characteristics of a cluster period to avoid mistaking a mild headache from a long day at work with cluster headaches.
Here is what happens during cluster periods;
- The attacks occur at exactly same time everyday
- An attack can last for at least 15 minutes to 3 hours
- Headaches are consistent every day; at times, the headaches occur several times in a day.
- The attacks happen at night, few hours after you go to bed.
Cluster headaches are sudden; they begin suddenly and the pain intensity rapidly increases. The pain also ends suddenly. Usually, an affected individual feels exhausted after the end of an attack. The short period is intense.
What causes cluster headaches?
The exact cause of headaches is yet to be established.
Unlike migraines, there are no environmental triggers linked to these headaches. Cluster headaches are linked to extreme activity in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is part of the brain that controls temperature, thirst, and hunger.
Over activity in the hypothalamus influences pressure in blood vessels. Increase or decrease in blood pressure due to contraction or expansion of arterial walls affects functionality of the brain. Decrease or increase in hypothalamus activity interrupts with communication function of the brain, which causes headaches.
Besides, the cyclical nature of cluster headaches links it to biological clock, which is controlled by the hypothalamus. The specific times for headaches and shifts in remission and cluster period exhibit characteristics of biological clock.
After a destabilization of the hypothalamus, environmental conditions and body activity can increase intensity of the headache. Excessive consumption of alcohol is one of the triggers. It is not much of a cause; alcohol only has impact on existing condition. Other triggers of cluster headaches include exercising in hot temperatures or sudden rise in temperatures.
Cluster headaches are not linked to any foods or environmental elements. Metal strain and anxiety has nothing to do with cluster headaches. However, some type of medications with high chemical concentration like nitroglycerin are linked to cluster headaches. The medication is often used to treat heart complications.
People experiencing frequent cluster headaches usually demonstrate low levels of melatonin and cortisol. In some people, the levels regain a normal level after an attack while in some, it sustains hence need for a boost.
People living in Northern countries are more prone to cluster headaches because of the extreme variations in temperatures. Sudden changes in temperature affect the brain balance hence triggering headache because of an already affected hypothalamus.
Cluster Headaches Treatment
Just as a specific cause of cluster headaches is yet to be established, there is no specific treatment. However, there is impressive progress in the medical field with regards to therapy for this type of headache.
Acute treatment
Cluster headaches come suddenly and the pain intensifies rapidly; painkillers may not be helpful because of the quick rise in pain. Within 10 minutes of an attack, the pain is usually unbearable. Treating cluster headaches requires efficient techniques; the excruciating pain should subside in at least 20 minutes otherwise you won’t settle or do anything else.
Most over the counter painkillers take long to wok; they cannot match the intensity of these headaches.
Oxygen
Inhaling oxygen at a rate of 12 liters per minute can guarantee you relief within 15 minutes. So far, it is the most effective method of dealing with acute cluster headaches. If you are already using an oxygen pump, you need to consult with your doctor to double your prescription. There is no short cut to oxygen tanks, your doctor has to send a Home Oxygen Order Form to deliver an oxygen tank as per the specifications to your home. Also, the doctor has to share details of your conditions and specifications of your oxygen needs with supplier; the information is protected under Data Protection Act.
Sumatriptan injections
The medication reduces pain within 10 minutes. While there are tablets of the same brand, an injection is more powerful.
Preventive treatment
There are numerous option when it comes to preventive techniques on cluster headaches. Typically, a doctor will advise you to take the medication on the onset of an attack and continue with the same dosage two weeks later after the attack. If a new bout begins, you need to restart the medication. Common preventive drugs include; Ergotamine, Methysergide, Verapamil, and Lithium.