What happens 6 times more often in men than women, may show up on and off for decades, and has been known to drop many a man to the floor, kicking, moaning, trying to pry the eyeball out of the socket and banging the head on any available hard surface? If you said “cluster headaches” you’re right.

Cluster headaches have been recognized for more than a hundred years, but not until the 1950’s has it had a name. At the onset of a headache the eyelid will generally droop and pupil dilate on the affected side. Within 5-10 minutes the headache is there in full force. For a month or two the victim will have at least 3-4 excruciating headaches a day/night (each one lasting between 30-60 minutes or more), then the headaches pretty much stop for perhaps as much as a year. This type of headache most often begins in the 20’s, but the first episode has also been documented in children and senior citizens. According to studies it appears that 2 a.m. is the most common time for one to appear, and they seem to return day after day at the same time. Most of them affect the eye/ temple/ cheek/ forehead area, usually one side of the face), but the pain may be referred to the back of the head. Cluster headaches are often misdiagnosed as migraine headaches. The eye and nose on that side of the face may become runny, swollen and red. The pain is so severe that until a diagnosis is made the victim will often suspect a brain tumor!

There are various treatments available, but it usually takes much trial and error to get the drug or combination of drugs that works best for each individual. Some of the medications that are used satisfactorily by migraine sufferers have no effect on cluster headaches. Imitrex shots can be given to oneself, but they are VERY expensive and can only be prescribed in limited amounts. Some very innovative person has discovered that by only giving part of the medicine at a time the prescription lasts for the whole episode and still provides relief. Other medicines include lithium (which can have an adverse effect in migraine) and prednisone. Oxygen treatments using 100% oxygen administered through a tight fitting mask are helpful in as many as 80% of the patients. As with all the treatments described here, it is important to start it as soon as possible and to follow safety precautions. A prescription “numbing” inhalant can provide relief for some – inhalants work much faster than a pill, which can take days or even weeks to take effect. It has also been asserted that drinking great quantities of water can be beneficial.

Surgery and Neural Blockade have varying degrees of success. Sometimes hospitalization is required primarily for the sedation that can be achieved there. During an episode of headaches it is essential that the person NOT SMOKE. Alcohol is often a triggering factor – before the first drink is even finished. It is difficult for the family and friends of a cluster headache sufferer to fully sympathize, because they’ve experienced “regular” headaches, or even migraines and may believe “you just have to tough it out”.

Endnotes

http://www.clusterheadaches.com/about.html#top

http://familydoctor.org/035.xml

http://www.mhni.com/faqs_cluster.html#top

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