Cluster Headache
by
Debra Wood, RN DefinitionCluster headache is a type of severe, recurring pain that is located on one side of the head. It received its name from the clustering, or pattern, of frequent headaches that usually occur. There are 2 main types of cluster headaches:
Either type of headache may switch to the other type. CausesThe cause of cluster headaches is not known. It is thought that there is abnormal activation of the area of the brain that is responsible for regulating temperature, blood pressure, hormone release, and sleep. The pain is thought to be caused by a combination of widening of the blood vessels and inflammation of the nerves of the face. Other possible causes include:
Risk FactorsMen aged 20-50 years are more likely to get cluster headaches. Other factors that may increase your chance of cluster headaches include:
SymptomsCluster headaches may cause:
During the headache, other symptoms may occur on the affected side, including:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical and neurological exam will be done. A neurological exam may include examining:
The doctor will ask about the frequency and pattern of your headaches. To help provide answers, you may consider keeping a diary of:
Imaging tests to evaluate the brain include: TreatmentTreatment aims to reduce the frequency of headaches and relieving pain. Lifestyle Changes and Self-care
MedicationMedications used to treat migraines often relieve sudden attacks of cluster headaches. These drugs must be taken at the first sign of a headache. Other medications may also be prescribed. In some cases, the headache does not last long enough for medications to be helpful. Sometimes, the medications just delay an attack, rather than stop an attack. Painkillers, especially opioids, may not be effective during an acute attack. Other medications may be given to prevent or reduce the frequency of headaches. Oxygen TherapyBreathing 100% oxygen for 10-15 minutes often relieves cluster headache pain. This is often viewed as the first-line therapy for cluster headache. The oxygen appears to decrease blood flow to the affected area of the brain. People under age 50 who have episodic cluster headaches seem to benefit most from oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy can be expensive. There are also risks with this therapy. SurgeryAs a last resort, some doctors may recommend cutting or destroying a facial nerve to eliminate pain. PreventionTo help reduce your chance of cluster headaches:
RESOURCES:American Headache Society http://www.achenet.org National Headache Foundation http://www.headaches.org References:Beck E, Sieber WJ, Trejo R. Management of cluster headache.
Am Fam Physician. 2005;71(4):717-724. Cittadini E, May A, Straube A, et al. Effectiveness of intranasal zolmitriptan in acute cluster headache.
Arch Neurol. 2006;63(11):1537-1542.
Cluster headache. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116292/Cluster-headache
. Updated February 16, 2016. Accessed November 10, 2017.
Finocchi C, Del Sette M, Angeli S, Rizzi D, Gandolfo C. Cluster headache and right-to-left shunt on contrast transcranial Doppler: a case-control study.
Neurology.
2004;63(7):1309-1310. Leone M, Bussone G. Pathophysiology of autonomic trigeminal neuralgias.
Lancet Neurol. 2009;8(8):755-764. Leroux E, Valade D, Taifas I, et al. Suboccipital steroid injections for transitional treatment of patients with more than two cluster headache attacks per day: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
Lancet Neurol.
2011;10(10):891-897. May A, Leone M, Afra J, et al. EFNS guidelines on the treatment of cluster headache and other trigeminal-autonomic cephalgias.
Eur J Neurol. 2006;13(10):1066-1077. NINDS headache information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at:
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Headache-Information-Page. Accessed November 10, 2017. Obermann M, Holle D, Naegel S, et al. Pharmacotherapy options for cluster headache. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2015;16(8):1177-1184. Russell MB, Anderson PG, Thomsen LL. Familial occurrence of cluster headache.
J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry.
1995;58(3):341-343. Van Vliet JA, Bahra A, Martin V, et al. Intranasal sumatriptan in cluster headache: randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study.
Neurology. 2003;60(4):630-633.
10/25/2010 DynaMed Plus Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116292/Cluster-headache
: Francis GJ, Becker WJ, Pringsheim TM.
Acute and preventive pharmacologic treatment of cluster headache.
Neurology. 2010;75(5):463-473.
Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Rimas Lukas, MD Last Updated: 11/16/2015 | |
EBSCO Information Services is fully accredited by URAC. URAC is an independent, nonprofit health care accrediting organization dedicated to promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification and commendation. This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition. To send comments or feedback to our Editorial Team regarding the content please email us at healthlibrarysupport@ebsco.com. Our Health Library Support team will respond to your email request within 2 business days. |
Home |Terms and Conditions |Concerned About Privacy? |Accessibility |Careers |For Employers and Medical Plan Providers
Copyright © 2011 Caremark, L.L.C.
You may also be looking for: CVS/pharmacy | MinuteClinic | Specialty Pharmacy | SilverScript | Accordant