Cluster headache is a rare but highly exhausting condition that affects approximately 0.1 percent of the population. Most cases are episodic - about a month or more may pass between the attacks. But nearly 20% of the episodes are chronic and may last about 30 minutes at a time.
Because the condition is uncommon and frequently confused with migraine, there is no gold-standard treatment. Though, there is a variety of lifestyle, over-the-counter, prescription medication, and even surgical treatment options for this condition. If you have any symptoms, you may need to create an individualized treatment plan with your physician.
Cluster headache symptoms
Cluster headache usually starts with sudden pain around or behind the eye. And in about 10 to 15 minutes you may feel the pain reaches a peak. Among other common cluster headache symptoms you may feel eye drooping or swelling, warming of your face, eye redness or watering, sweating, light sensitivity, runny or congested nose, or anxiety.
Home remedies
The most essential fact to keep in mind about cluster headaches treatment is, that what works for someone else may not work for you. Nevertheless, there are many things you can do to minimize the chance of an attack or reduce its intensity.
Regular physical activity. The benefits of exercise cannot be neglected, and many people have discovered for themselves its effectiveness for cluster headaches. Even slight daily physical activity may improve sleep cycles, and blood circulation to the brain, and reduce stress levels.
Breathing exercises. One of the first-line clinical treatments for cluster headaches is the use of oxygen, which is known for reducing the severity of the attacks. Also, some patients have discovered that deep breathing exercises can help to manage their headache symptoms. You may try yoga as a combination of breathing techniques and physical activity.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Among the many side effects of smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, these bad habits almost always provoke an increase in chronic headache conditions. Some types of alcohol, like all tobacco products, affect brain blood vessels by shrinking them. Thus, you may find these habits not so attractive anymore.
Painkillers
When you have a cluster headache attack, you may choose to take over-the-counter or prescripted painkillers. To mediate the severe pain you may buy ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin at any drugstore without a prescription. While they are effective in other types of headaches and might be worth a shot, they are rarely helping with the symptoms of this condition. Moreover, using some of these medications for a long time can lead to a medication overuse headache (MOH), when the pain becomes worse when medications are taken.
The prescripted drugs may be more efficient in cluster headache treatment. But you’ll need to book an appointment with a headache specialist for consultation and medicine prescription. Here are some of the most common medications:
Triptans. Sumatriptan (Imitrex), a triptan migraine medication, has shown its effectiveness with cluster attacks when injected. If you cannot tolerate sumatriptan (or other medications), you may use zolmitriptan (Zomig) nasal sprays. Though, this drug class does have some side effects, like sleepiness, dizziness, nausea, muscle weakness, and tingling or pain in the injection area. Also, you should avoid them if you have any heart problems.
Dihydroergotamine, especially when injected, can be very effective in headache treatment. It is typically reserved for clinic or hospital use and is held for more severe cases. This injection is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a history of heart disease or other cardiac issues, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, or are allergic to this type of drug.
Octreotide. Injecting a synthetic version of somatostatin, a brain hormone linked to development and intercellular communication, can bring quick relief. While there are multiple indications that triptans are more effective, this method may also help. Side effects of this medication include gallstones (usually only with long-term use), pain at the injection site, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, flatulence, fatigue, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and headache.