One of several types of headaches categorized as Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias (TACs), the cluster headache is typically characterized by unilateral pain behind or in the vicinity of one eye, along with associated symptoms including nasal congestion, profuse sweating, swelling or drooping of the eyelids, and/or the excessive secretion of tears. These headaches affect men considerably more often than they do women—at a ratio of 4:1—and, according to neurologist Brian M. Grosberg, represents “one of the most painful conditions a person can experience.”
For individuals who are prone to cluster headaches, the early days of summer—during which most people are gearing up for neighborhood cookouts and family beach outings—are especially likely to bring about this debilitating pain. It is a strange but decidedly true fact that the biological rhythm of the human body is inextricably linked to the Earth’s rotation. For cluster headache sufferers, this means that the Earth’s early summertime shift toward the sun can trigger intense periods of pain lasting anywhere from thirty minutes up to three hours. For 80% of individuals with cluster headaches, head pain occurs for as many as twelve weeks out of each year, and, unsurprisingly, most often arises during periods of seasonal change.
Research on the topic suggests that because cluster headaches are so closely associated with seasonal change, they are often misdiagnosed as sinus headaches. This being the case, the Montefiore Headache Center recommends that headache sufferers keep a detailed log of headache occurrences in order to help healthcare providers identify links between head pain and potential triggers (such as alcohol consumption, strong odors, and heat) as well as the time of year.
Typically, over-the-counter pain relievers are not sufficient to address cluster headache-induced pain. Fortunately, medical professionals have identified several ways of mitigating and even relieving headache pain without drugs. These include avoiding both smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol while experiencing a cluster headache. Additionally, breathing pure oxygen for 10-15 minutes as soon as headache symptoms begin to arise is often advised for patients who do not suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
A number of drug therapies have also been developed to address cluster headaches. These include calcium-channel blockers such as the immediate-release tablet Verapamil and the injection Imitrex, along with the nasal spray Zolmitriptan. Additionally, because cluster headaches are commonly associated with REM sleep, melatonin, which can help to regulate sleep-wake cycles, is also a commonly deployed treatment option.
In many cases, cluster headaches can be difficult to distinguish from other conditions, including both sinus headaches and the various types of head pain that commonly derive from sleep and neck problems. This being the case, individuals experiencing symptoms of a cluster headache or any other types of severe or recurrent head pain should be evaluated by professionals at a dedicated headache center.
At Rowe Neurology Institute, we have the most current diagnostic tools, and a staff of neurologists and integrated caregivers who specialize in diagnosing and treating headaches and migraines. We’ve treated literally tens of thousands of headache patients in the Kansas City region at our Headache Center. Take your life back from migraines. We’ll show you how.