Signs and Symptoms of Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are oftentimes mistaken for a migraine. Whichever way, cluster headaches are far less ordinary than a simple migraine headache or a tension headache. As the very name suggests, cluster headaches manifest a dramatic attack, and that is, a clustering of very painful attacks that last for a period of successive and long weeks. The pain given by a cluster headache gets its peak from 5 minutes and may last for about an hour. Someone who suffers from a cluster headache experiences several headache attacks in a day that occurs for weeks and perhaps for months with a usual interruption of some pain-free period of some variable lengths.

In contrast to the other types of headaches, cluster headaches often affect men more than the women. Most of the times, men get their first cluster headache at the age of 25 although their first symptoms occur in their early teens and may last up to their early 50s.

Cluster headaches produce a unilateral effect, meaning, it affects one side of the head. Tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion are the most common symptoms. This type of headache occurs in clusters, repeatedly occurring everyday at the same time for a number of weeks and then repeating again. Cluster headaches can affect people of any age and is not considered hereditary. It begins as an attack of severe and sudden headache. There is no traceable cause for such disorder but scientific studies show the relation of the body tissue’s sudden release of histamine or serotonin.

How do cluster headaches occur?

The onset of cluster headache is sudden. Most commonly, the attack happens during the dreaming (REM) phase of sleep. The people who often experience cluster headaches are those heavy smokers and drinkers. Alcohol, glare, stress, and certain foods are recognized to trigger attacks as well.

Cluster headaches are hence classified into two and the sufferer may get any of them:

 • Episodic—this is the more common type of cluster headache. With an episodic cluster headache, the sufferer may have 2 or 3 headaches in a day that goes on for about 2 months. Then, there will be no other headache attack for a year. But then the pattern will repeat itself.

 • Chronic—this type of cluster headache possesses similar behavior only that there is no period of untreated sustained relief.

The symptoms of cluster headaches include:

• Swelling under or around the eyes
• Excessive tears on the affected side
• Red eye on the affected side
• Rhinorrhea (runny nose) or nasal congestion
• Red, flushed face
• Headache
o Begins suddenly
o Commonly begins 2 to 3 hours after falling asleep
o Steady and sharp pain
o Burning or boring pain
o Characteristically occurs on one side of the head
o May occur in and around one eye
o May involve one side of the face from neck to temples
o Pain quickly gets worse, peaking within 5 to 10 minutes
o Peak pain may last one-half to 2 hours

Upon the diagnosis of the physician, tests are to be given for the recognized symptoms. There is no treatment that can cure the disorder but the treatment is provided to relieve the symptoms. The factors that seem to trigger the cluster headache attack need to be avoided.

Among the medications that may be used are:

• Antihistamines
• Indomethacin
• Lithium carbonate
• Calcium channel blockers
• Propranolol
• Amitriptyline
• Verapamil
• Methysergide
• Cyproheptadine

So when cluster headaches bug you, it will be helpful to record the time and number of the attacks so when you consult your physician, you can show your diary.