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A cluster headache (also known as migrainous neuralgia) is a severe and uncommon type of headache. It is more common in men than women and often does not occur until a person’s 20s or 30s.
Causes of Cluster Headaches
The cause(s) of cluster headaches is still largely unknown, but it is suspected to be due to an abnormal activity in a part of the brain known as the hypothalamus. However, it has been noticed that most sufferers are smokers and alcoholics. Other triggers include stress and allergens.
Signs and Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
Episodes are periodic and cyclical, typically occurring at around the same time every day for weeks, hence the name cluster headache. Each episode may last for 30 to 90 minutes at a time, and each cluster is followed by weeks, months, or even years of remission.
Cluster headaches are very painful and typically one-sided. They may be associated with eye tearing and nasal congestion on the affected side.
Management of Cluster Headaches
- Medications such as the Triptans
- Oxygen therapy (100% intranasal oxygen)
- Corticosteroids may be used to prevent subsequent episodes
