Cluster headaches, also referred to as histamine headaches or migrainous neuralgia, are a specific type of extremely painful headaches. The rare condition affects 1 to 4 people out of every 1,000, according to the Merck Manuals. The age of onset is usually between 20 and 40. Medications such as nitroglycerin and alcohol may trigger a cluster headache. Symptoms of the condition include pain on one side of the head that may also cause the eyes to tear and congestion in the nose. The headaches may occur for 30 minutes to an hour each and the frequency varies. Treatment helps relieve the symptoms of the condition but does not cure the condition.
Medications
Most individuals who suffer from cluster headaches require medication to prevent the attacks from occurring. Commonly prescribed medications for the headaches include an oral corticosteroid, such as prednisone, or ergotamine for short term benefits until longer acting medications such as calcium channel blockers or lithium carbonate build up in the system, according to MayoClinic.com. Once an attack occurs, medications taken at home to stop the cluster headache include triptans and dihydroergotamine.
Oxygen Therapy
Breathing 100 percent oxygen for 15 minutes can help provide relief from a cluster headache, according MayoClinic.com. Individuals with a history of cluster headaches can use a portable oxygen tank at home to get relief from the pain. Although a person may feel temporary relief afterward, using oxygen may not stop the attack and the pain may return later.
Avoiding Triggers
Several things may trigger a cluster headache. Keeping a diary can help people identify triggers that cause the intense headaches. Limiting the triggers can help relive cluster headaches by decreasing the possibility of developing new cluster headaches during a cycle of attacks. Nicotine can trigger a cluster headache. Avoiding all tobacco products during a cluster period will help treat the condition. A regular sleep habit and schedule can help treat cluster headaches because a disruption in s normal sleep routine can trigger the painful condition. Drinking alcohol may also trigger cluster headaches, according to MayoClinic.com. Avoiding alcohol during the cluster period will decrease the possibility of developing the headaches. Situations such as exposure to high altitudes, toxic substances and nitrates can trigger cluster headaches.
