Unlike migraines or tension headaches, cluster headaches occur as chronic, repeated, intensely painful episodes. During a cluster period, a patient will suffer through one or more headaches, then enter a headache-free remission of up to a year. Most common in adolescents and the middle-aged, cluster headaches affect more males than females. Scientists do not know what causes cluster headaches, and while there are treatments that can reduce the symptoms, there is no cure.
Headache Pain
Cluster headaches affect only one side of the head at a time. In some patients, the pain always affects the same side of the head, while for others the pain switches sides in different episodes. Patients describe the head pain as sharp and steady with a burning sensation. The pain affects the area around and behind the eye, or even in the eye; according to MayoClinic.com, some people say it feels as if the eye is being pushed out from its socket. The pain might spread from the temples to the neck and shoulders. It escalates quickly, often peaking to an excruciating level within 10 minutes, and lasts from approximately 30 minutes to one hour.
The episodes end abruptly as well, with the pain rapidly fading away. Patients often feel exhausted after an episode.
The pain occurs at about the same time every day during a cluster period. It often starts in the night, waking the patient up from sleep. MayoClinic.com says that the majority of attacks occur between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.
Restlessness
While migraine sufferers prefer to lie down in a dark, quiet room during an attack, patients in the throes of a cluster headache are markedly restless and agitated. They often pace the floor, or rock back and forth while sitting down. They avoid lying down because that position often worsens the pain.
Eye Symptoms
In addition to headache pain within and around the eye, other eye symptoms characterize cluster headaches. The eye on the affected side can redden and leak tears, a condition medically known as lacrimation. The area around or under the affected eye--sometimes the other eye as well--can swell. The pupil of the affected eye can constrict, and the eyelid on the affected side can droop, a symptom called ptosis.
Nasal Symptoms
Cluster headaches typically also cause nasal symptoms. Patients have a runny nose, called rhinorrhea, or nasal congestion on the same side as the headache pain. When the headache ends, the nasal symptoms subside as well.
