The Pain of Cluster Headaches
Worse than Migraines, They are a Neurological Disease
Cluster headaches is the common name for a severely painful neurological disorder that hinders the lives of about one million Americans.
Cluster headaches are the most rare and painful type of headache. Clusters can be debilitating, and if left untreated can lead people to physical and mental exhaustion. A headache can last anywhere from a few minutes to a few weeks, with spiked levels of low dull pain. The pain can linger once the headache has peaked and dulls just after. Sometimes the headache goes away completely just to return in a few days, months, or years later. Clusters usually come on strong at the same time of day or night, usually between 9pm and 9am.
Symptoms
- Sharp, burning pain above the eye, in the temple, or just above the ear that is restricted to one side of the head.
- Neck tenderness develops because of the pressure on the nerves inside the head, making it difficult to turn from side to side
- Nasal congestion
- Watery eyes
- Eye pressure, red eyes, and swollen eyelids
- Sweaty face
- Fast heartbeat
Causes
The cause of cluster headaches is still unknown. According to the Mayo Clinic, scientists have not been able to pinpoint a cause, but think it is a combination of blood vessels, nerves, and chemicals that are found in the head, brain, and face. Genetics can also be a cause of clusters.
Some researchers have noticed a link between drinking alcohol and heavy smoking and the headaches. However, some patients may be driven to drink or smoke to relieve the stress and pain of the headache. The usual causes of headaches, such as stress and diet, are not triggers for clusters.
Treatment
Doctors can prescribe certain triptan drugs which cause blood vessels in the head to constrict and change the blood flow in them. Steroid medicine, most commonly prednisone, is given as a last resort for patients who have severe symptoms and usually only given for a span of three weeks because of its toxicity. Steroid therapy may get rid of the headaches for a few months or even years. Some patients have experienced relief by drinking a strong cup of coffee at the onset of an attack. Others go on long runs or do vigorous exercise to increase blood flow to the head. Sex and orgasm have also been recommended for preventing the headaches (making a headache an obsolete excuse to abstain from sex).
Unlike migraine headaches, sufferers of cluster headaches do not have visual impairment or light shows. A unique feature of cluster headaches is that they often begin while a person is sleeping. As far as we know, cluster headaches are not life threatening, rather they affect the quality of life of those that have them. Lack of sleep, inability to move throughout the day, and fear of the headache coming back can cause mental health issues for the person suffering from the headaches and their family members.
If you think you suffer from cluster headaches, it is important to seek medical attention. The following links have more information on clusters:
International Headache Society
