There are many different types of headaches. Some are more common in women, such as migraines, while others more commonly affect children, such as abdominal migraines, and men are more likely to suffer from cluster headaches. As anyone who has ever experienced a cluster headache will attest, this is an extremely painful headache and typically causes excruciating amounts of pain for those affected.
Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches involve sufferers experiencing acute unilateral pain in addition to flushing, congestion or swollen eye where the pain is similar to that of being stabbed. Unlike other forms of headaches, cluster headaches are so named because they often happen at the same time each day, lasting on average about 45 minutes.
As the pain is one-sided, it may be misdiagnosed as a migraine; however, while migraine sufferers usually require rest in a quiet, dark room, those suffering from cluster headaches will typically be very agitated and unable to stand still as a result of excruciating pain.
What Triggers Cluster Headaches?
While the majority of triggers usually only happen during attack periods others may trigger a cluster episode despite months of remission. An example of this is drinking alcohol, which is likely to trigger more headaches during a cluster period but is unlikely to cause any problems during periods of remission.
In addition to alcohol, further triggers may include the following: changes in sleeping patterns, sleep apnea, exposure to certain solvents, smoking and nitroglycerin which is used for those suffering from heart condition.
Abortive Treatment For Cluster Headaches
Treatment for cluster headaches usually include abortive methods for when acute pain is experienced and preventative therapies for when headaches are either chronic or episodic in nature. Oxygen is recognized to be one of the safest and most effective forms of treatment (helping 90% of sufferers) and sufferers may typically have their own oxygen cylinder in the home.
Two other forms of abortive treatment include sumatriptan which is a nasal spray or injection and zolmatriptan which is available both as a tablet and nasal spray. However, unlike with oxygen therapy, these medications will often result in side-effects such as dry mouth or sweating.
Preventative Treatment For Cluster Headaches
This form of treatment is often known as prophylactic and involves different medications including lithium, depakote, verpamil and prednisone. The latter is commonly used in addition to another prophylactic and is a form of steroid which is very fast-acting in preventing cluster headaches.
As with all forms of treatment it is important to discuss any side-effects with one's family doctor or pharmacist. In a minority of patients who are unresponsive to both medication and oxygen therapy either nerve-blocks or surgery may be used but the latter is certainly a last resort
Source:
Ford-Martin, P. (2008) The Everything Health Guide To Migraines Avon: Adams Media
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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