Cluster Headaches

For a small portion of sufferers, cluster headaches can be a debilitating condition that strikes without warning.

Cluster headaches can strike seemingly random intervals, for which they gain their name. Patients are known to live for years without a problem, and suddenly suffer them for a period of weeks on end. The cause behind cluster headaches remains a mystery, although it is thought that stress, alcohol, and drugs can all play a role in promoting an attack. Even without these factors, however, a cluster headache can strike a patient at any time. A cluster headache is easy to differentiate from a normal headache because of its severity and distinct symptoms.

A sufferer of a cluster headache will often have a runny nose or eyes. The pain tends to focus behind one eye, and is often described as feeling like an icepick. This extremely uncomfortable sensation can become very intense, often times resulting in a pain crisis. The pain is often intense enough to trigger great emotional stress. Immediate treatment is very important. Sedatives and pain killers should be the first line of defense against cluster headaches.

Cluster headache treatment is a difficult process because of the seemingly random nature of their attacks. Instead of always remaining on medication, cluster headache treatment is typically limited to lifestyle choices. Avoiding drugs and alcohol should be a mandatory first step. Although prevention is difficult, cluster headache treatment measures such as powerful pain killers can be necessary to have on hand.

Frequent cluster headaches are a definite sign that a visit to the doctor is in order. Although cluster headaches can occur without any discernable cause, they may sometimes be a sign of a deeper neurological issue. If this is the case, patients should see a doctor as soon as possible. Some forms of stress management may also be considered effective cluster headache treatment. Although the role of stress in cluster headache treatment is not certain, it is known to play a role in other headaches, and could potentially have an effect on the cluster variety of headaches. Significant emotional stress is known to cause a variety of physiological symptoms, and could play an important role in cluster headaches as well.