Location
Pain usually begins on one side of the face, in or around one eye.
What it feels like
"The pain is very severe. It can be throbbing and knife-like, and is associated with watering and reddening of the eye on one side," says Giammarco. "Cluster patients are often agitated and restless because the pain is so intense."
Prevalence
Cluster headaches affect less than one per cent of people. They affect more men than women, by about six to one.
Frequency and duration
They typically come in cyclical patterns, known as cluster periods. Headaches last from 15 minutes to three hours. During a cluster period headaches occur daily, sometimes several times a day, over a period ranging from weeks to months, followed by a remission period. Cluster periods can happen seasonally, such as every spring or fall.
Triggers
Not generally associated with triggers, but during a cluster period alcohol or smoking and certain drugs, such as histamine or nitroglycerine, can trigger a headache. There are no known causes.
Treatments
Acute treatments include inhaling 100 per cent oxygen through a mask, which can provide relief within 15 minutes. Portable units are available for home use. Injectable or nasal spray forms of sumatriptan (Imitrex) are more effective than taking oral zolmitriptan (Zomig), another triptan medication.
Prevention
Long-term preventive medications, such as lithium, the calcium channel blocker verapamil or the anticonvulsant divalproex (Depakote), are prescribed to reduce the frequency of attacks in patients during a cluster period, and may enhance the effectiveness of acute treatment drugs. To help prevent a cluster attack, stick to a regular sleep schedule, don’t take afternoon naps, don’t drink alcohol during a cluster period and avoid excessive glare and bright lights.
Nondrug treatments
The lifestyle changes and nondrug therapies listed below can be effective in helping prevent and treat tension headaches, migraines and hormonal headaches.
• Stress relievers: Since stress is a trigger for most types of headaches, doctors recommend relaxation techniques such as massage therapy, yoga, deep breathing, visualization, progressive muscle relaxation and meditation. A preventive technique called "pacing," which involves making time every day to decompress and relax, is also effective. As well, icing the neck, sitting in the bathtub (although hot baths may aggravate migraines) or using ointments can help ease headache pain.
• Healthy living: Getting enough sleep, eating regular nutritious meals and doing regular aerobic exercise can relieve headache pain and reduce risk. Most headache sufferers can also benefit by identifying and avoiding their own personal triggers, says
Dr. Rose Giammarco, a neurologist and director of the Hamilton Headache Clinic. A headache diary can help pinpoint specific triggers, such as red wine, food additives, bright lights, loud noise or fatigue.
• Treating anxiety and depression: Underlying conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can contribute to headaches, and behaviour modification, cognitive therapy or psychological counselling may help deal with them.
• Alternative therapies: Biofeedback and acupuncture may also provide pain relief for some patients.
* Name has been changed
Read more:
• Natural headache remedies
• 10 health symptoms you shouldn't ignore
• How to deal with chronic pain
Check out:
• CanadianLiving.com Health
• CanadianLiving.com Prevention
• CanadianLiving.com Mind & Spirit
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