Headaches - Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are a very nasty kind of headache, coming under the migraine headache classification. They tend to be more common in men more than women; nevertheless women still suffer from them. The headache name speaks for itself - it comes in clusters.

What is a cluster headache?

This headache is extremely severe. It is thought to arise from a disruption in the chemicals in the brain. One chemical thought to be responsible is a neurotransmitter called serotonin. This chemical appears to rise in its levels before the migraine attack. Another theory is that there is a disturbance in the body's endorphin's (this is the body's own natural painkiller), resulting in a shocking headache. It is essential that you have had these headaches diagnosed by your doctor or neurologist.


Symptoms

• Pain tends to reside around/in one eye. It can often be described as feeling like a hot poker stabbing into the eye
  
• The sufferer can experience from 1-3 headaches in 24 hours
  
• There may be no headaches for weeks/months, then an episode of them for a period of days/weeks. This is where the term comes 'cluster' comes from
  
• The pain lasts between 30-90 minutes
  
• Just as in 'typical' migraine, there can be an 'aura' stage prior to the headache.
  

Treatment/font>

This can range widely. There are various drugs used to control these headaches. The most commonly used are NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofin). These are taken as the headache has starts.
Aspirin is a must once the headache has commenced, although this must be discussed with your doctor, as you may be taking another drug (such as the NSAIDs) which should not be taken with aspirin.

If you suffer from cluster headaches there are other drugs such as beta-blockers that may be used. The use of antidepressants (which can affect the levels of serotonin in the brain) can also be used. These drugs are only available on prescription, and should be taken every day to prevent future attacks.
Often these headaches are hereditary, so there is little that can be done to actually cure them, but there are ways of reducing the severity. New drugs are being made all the time, so always ask your doctor about any new drugs on the market, which are being used for cluster headaches.


- Louise Ganey