Cluster Headaches

Acute

What is Cluster Headache?

Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder with distinct features of unilateral intense pain of a relatively short duration, with prominent cranial autonomic symptoms, and a circadian and circannual rhythm.

There are a number of symptoms of Cluster Headaches, which may include
  • Extreme sharp or stabbing pain, usually in, behind, or around one eye.
  • Pain on one side of the head in a single cluster
  • Restlessness
  • A lot of tears
  • Redness of the eye on the side that hurts
  • Stuffy or runny nose on the side that hurts
  • Forehead or facial sweating

What are the complications of cluster headaches? A true cluster headache is not life threatening and does not cause permanent brain damage. But, they tend to be chronic, recurrent, and can interfere with your lifestyle or work.

Researchers do not know exactly what causes cluster headaches. They seem to be related to the sudden release of histamine or serotonin in the body. The following may trigger cluster headaches: Alcohol use or smoking cigarettes.

There are a number of Prevention of Cluster Headaches, which may include
  • Verapamil. A medicine that relaxes blood vessels.
  • Prednisone. A steroid that reduces inflammation and swelling.
  • Lithium carbonate. A medicine that restores the balance of certain brain chemicals.

There's no cure for cluster headaches. The goal of treatment is to decrease the pain, shorten the headache period and prevent new attacks. Because the pain of a cluster headache tends to come on suddenly and go away quickly, it can be hard to treat. Treatment requires fast-acting medicines.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is given as a shot when cluster headache symptoms start. Using sumatriptan as a nasal spray or using another triptan medicine, zolmitriptan (Zomig), also has been shown to work, but not as quickly as a shot.

How is it treated?

Treatment for acute myeloid leukemia is vital. It varies with the patient and stage of the disease. Treatment options include

  • Triptans. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is given as a shot when cluster headache symptoms start.
  • Octreotide.
  • Local anesthetics.
  • Dihydroergotamine.

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