WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Cluster headaches cause pain on one side of the head,
behind or around one eye. The pain usually starts near one eye
and shoots up to the top of the head on that side. These
headaches frequently occur in ""clusters,'' often starting at
the same time each day over a period of time. They may also
come and go for several days, weeks, or months. Each headache
can last from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Cluster headaches occur
most often in the spring and fall. They are more common among
men than among women.
Causes
The cause is not
known.
Signs/Symptoms
The headaches are typically
sudden and severe, and may be accompanied by watery eyes or a
runny nose. You may feel sweaty, restless, or nauseated. The
headaches often start at night and may wake you
up.
Care
There is no cure for cluster
headaches, but there are ways to help relieve the pain.
Prescription medications are available. Some must be taken in a
shot, breathed in by mouth, or put in the rectum to get them
into the bloodstream quickly.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If your doctor has prescribed any medicine, take it
exactly as directed. Ask your doctor whether it is safe to
drive or operate heavy machinery while you are taking this
medication.
-
An attack may be triggered by:
-
Smoking or drinking alcohol.
-
Napping in the daytime.
-
Breathing in solvents, gasoline, or oil-based
paints for long periods of time.
-
Traveling to high-altitude areas (above 5,000 feet)
or in airplanes.
-
When you have a headache, avoid bright lights,
alcohol, and stressful situations that cause you to become
angry or excited; they can worsen the
pain.
-
Your doctor can recommend preventive medication to
take before airplane travel. Using oxygen during the flight
may help relieve a headache.
-
A cold pack to your head may bring
relief.
-
Supervised exercise often helps prevent cluster
headaches. Be sure to talk to your doctor, however, before
starting an exercise program.
-
Biofeedback therapy may help reduce the pain. Ask
your doctor about this type of
program.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have any problem that may be related to the
medicine you are taking.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You have a headache that gets worse or lasts more
than 2 hours despite treatment.
-
You develop a high temperature.
-
You faint or develop weakness, numbness, double
vision, difficulty with talking, or neck pain or
stiffness.
Return to top
|
Email this page
Printer friendly
Bookmark this page
