5. Are there exploratory treatments for cluster headache?
Common Questions About Cluster Headache
4. What are the best treatment options for cluster headache?
3. What are the signs and symptoms of cluster headache?
2. Do I need to see a healthcare provider for cluster headache?
1. What is cluster headache?
6. What are some tips for living with cluster headache?
6. What are some tips for living with migraine attacks triggered by stress?
5. Can outdoor allergens or weather trigger a migraine attack?
1. What are common symptoms of the prodrome phase, and how long does it last?
Next Question
Cluster headache is a headache disorder that is related to migraine. It is often called a “suicide headache” because the pain from a cluster headache is devastatingly severe. Cluster headache attacks happen in episodes for a month or more with attacks happening every day or multiple times a day, and then they will stop, sometimes for years. It is more common in men than women.
2. What are common symptoms of the aura phase, and how long does it last?
Yes. It is important to work with a healthcare provider who has experience treating this condition to receive an accurate diagnosis and to get the best plan of management.
Cluster headache is characterized by: • One-sided excruciating pain in or around the eye • Redness and tearing of the eye • Discharge of the nose • A sense of agitation where the individual needs to move and pace or even feels they need to bang their head. Attacks last between 15 and 180 minutes. They happen almost on a schedule, at the same time of day, often waking people in the middle of the night.
Oxygen inhaled through a mask is effective as an acute treatment. Triptans and ergotamines are also used acutely. Emgality (galcanezumab) is the only CGRP antibody approved for the preventive treatment of cluster headache. Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, is also used. Oral steroids can help break a cluster episode and a steroid injection to the back of the neck may also help.
4. What does the prodrome phase, or “migraine hangover,” feel like?
The use of psilocybin as a treatment approach is being discussed and investigated, both in the community of people who suffer from cluster headache and in medical research. Many people with cluster headache find this very helpful in their treatment plan. Most headache specialists don’t feel like there is currently enough evidence to recommend this treatment. It is also important to note that psilocybin use is illegal in many countries.
3. What does the headache phase of a migraine attack feel like, and how long does it last?
All Questions
Seek an accurate diagnosis and use aggressive therapy with an effective acute and preventive treatment regimen. Cluster headache needs to be treated. Be prepared that multiple treatments will likely be used at once because a headache specialist will want to break you out of a cluster headache episode as quickly as possible. Joining an advocacy group like ClusterBusters can help people with cluster headache find support and validation.
