Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are a pain condition where the sufferer experiences a series of very painful headaches that are short-lasting but occur every day for a period of days or weeks at a time.

Typically, sufferers of cluster headaches will experience the symptoms at the same time each year, such as the spring or fall.

Because of the seasonal nature of cluster headaches, they are often mistaken for seasonal allergies or stress due to work or business.

The exact causes of cluster headaches are unknown, however, it is known that a nerve in the face is involved, making the pain severe around one or both of your eyes during a headache attack.  The pain can be worse than a migraine at times, and most people, when experiencing a cluster headache, cannot sit still and often pace back and forth.

Cluster headaches affect approximately 1 out of 1,000 people, so it is one of the lesser common types of headaches.  Men usually suffer from them more than women do.

Symptoms of Cluster Headaches

Generally, these headaches will reach their full force of intensity within 5 to 10 minutes of the start of the headache.  Usually, the pain is one-sided, staying on one side of the head, and occasionally switching to the other side during different days.

When suffering from an attack, people often feel the pain behind or around one eye.  The pain may spread to the forehead, temple, cheek, nose, and victims also may feel blood pulsing.

Cluster headaches typically last around 30-90 minutes, but can be as short as 15 minutes – or as long as 3 hours.  Victims usually experience one to three per day, and typically they last from two to three months.  While the episodes can last for months, sufferers can also experience a week or to of no headaches at all in between, but they can come back at any time.

Treatments for Cluster Headaches

There are many pain treatment options available for victims of cluster headaches, however, the most common ways to treat this condition is by an induced shot, breathing treatments, prescription medicines, nasal spray, or a combination of all of these.

The first step to receiving proper treatment is to schedule an appointment with one of our Texas Pain Physicians to get an examination.  If all other treatment methods have been explored, the next option may be a surgical procedure that blocks the trigeminal nerve.

If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from cluster headaches, contact us today and schedule your appointment.