Cluster Headache Symptoms Treatments Causes

Cluster Headache Symptoms Treatments Causes

Cluster headaches are more common between the ages of 20 and 50, affecting men more than women.

This type of pain is felt inside and around the eye. Excruciating pain. There is severe pain. The pain may radiate to the forehead, chin, and ears. Once infected, it can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. This type of pain is worse at night. May start after 1 hour/2 hour of sleeping. There may be pain during the day but very little. The pain usually occurs after 3 to 12 weeks. Watery eyes can accompany the pain around the eyes. Sometimes the eyelids can hang down. Nothing is found on examination.

The real cause of cluster headaches is now a mystery. However, this pain is sometimes thought to be due to increased peripatetic secretions in the greater superficial petrosal nerve and the Sphenopalatine ganglion. 2 types of medicine are used to treat cluster headaches. First, when the infection occurs and certain medications are used to reduce the chance of recurrence of the pain. 100% oxygen inhalation reduces cluster headaches. Sumatriptan or zolmitriptan also provides pain relief.

Sumatriptan and Ergotamine are used as preventives but the results are not satisfactory. Also, drugs like verapamil can be used as a preventative. Steroid medications such as prednisolone are used as prophylaxis.