Topic Overview
What are cluster headaches?
Cluster headaches are
severe headaches on one side of your head that happen in groups, or "clusters." They usually
occur over weeks or months.
Cluster headaches can be so painful
that you are not able to follow your normal routine or do your usual
activities. The pain is often called the worst type of headache pain.
Cluster headaches come in cycles (also called cluster periods). Most
people who get cluster headaches have one or two cluster periods each year. A
cluster period might last 1 month or longer. After a cluster period ends, you
may not get another headache for months or even years.
As you get
older, it's likely that you'll have longer and longer times without headaches.
At some point, you may not get cluster headaches ever again.
Having cluster headaches can be scary. But even though they are very
painful, cluster headaches don't cause long-term harm. During a cycle, you may
be able to reduce how often you have them, how bad they are, and how long they
last.
What causes cluster headaches?
Experts aren't sure
what causes cluster headaches. They run in families, but it’s not clear why
some people get cluster headaches and others don't.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of cluster
headaches is a severe burning or sharp, piercing pain on one side of your head.
The pain spreads out from your temple and eye. Your eye may become red, watery,
or puffy. The eyelid may droop, and you may have a runny or stuffy nose on that
side of your head.
See a picture of
.
The pain usually gets bad very fast. The
pain gets worse within 5 to 10 minutes after the headache starts and can last
for 30 minutes or longer.
Cluster headaches usually happen at the
same time of day each time you get them. But they can happen at any time. You
may have 1 to 8 headaches a day.
How are cluster headaches diagnosed?
A doctor can
usually tell if you have cluster headaches by asking about your symptoms and
examining you. Your doctor may order other tests, such as a
or an
, if he or she
thinks your symptoms are caused by another disease. But most people won't need these tests.
How are they treated during a cycle?