While debilitating and extremely painful, cluster headaches are not dangerous.
This article will review what a cluster headache feels like and how it’s managed.
Potential causes and preventive therapies will also be explored.
Illustration by Paige McLaughlin for Verywell Health
The pain of a cluster headache is sharp, stabbing, or burning in nature.
It is reported as being more severe than childbirth, passing a kidney stone, or breaking a bone.
Also, one or more cranialautonomicsymptoms are present on the same side as the cluster headache.
These symptoms include:
How Are Migraines Different From Cluster Headaches?
Also, migraine headaches can occur on both sides of the head, whereas cluster headaches are always one-sided.
Causes: Why Do People Get Cluster Headaches?
Activation of thetrigeminal-autonomicreflex (possibly via a connection with the hypothalamus) is suspected of generating cluster headaches.
What Is the Parasympathetic Nervous System?
One study found lower melatonin and higher cortisol levels in participants with cluster headaches.
Another unique feature of cluster headaches is that the attacks occur incluster cycles.
An exception to this is individuals with chronic cluster headaches.
They experience remission periods of less than one month.
What Helps When You Have Cluster Headaches?
If you have been diagnosed with cluster headaches, you must be prepared for an attack.
You might also carry a water bottle with cold water or an instant cold pack during a cluster cycle.
How Are Cluster Headaches Diagnosed?
Oxygen
Research has found that more than 70% of people with cluster headaches benefit from oxygen therapy.
This makes it a good choice for those who endure multiple cluster attacks daily.
Triptans
Triptans are prescription drugs that target specificserotonin(a brain chemical) receptors (docking sites).
Oral triptans are inadequate at providing relief since the pain of a cluster headache peaks very rapidly.
The steroid can be slowly stopped after the cluster cycle has ended.
Verapamilis the most commonly used preventive medication for cluster headaches.
What Is CGRP?
CGRP is a protein in the trigeminal nerve that dilates (widens) cranial blood vessels.
It plays a role in the development of both cluster and migraine headaches.
The pulse generator sends electrical charges to the occipital nerve, intending to interfere with pain signals.
This is because people with cluster headaches are more likely to experiencesymptoms of depressionandsuicidal ideationthan the general population.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Avoiding Cluster Headaches Triggers
Scientists have identified variouscluster headache triggers.
Whether stopping smoking can help is unclear, but it is recommended for many other health reasons.
The cause is unknown but likely starts with activation of the hypothalamus (a gland in your brain).
Living with cluster headaches is not an easy feat, physically or mentally.
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