Cluster headaches are the most severe headaches. These are described as much more intense that the typical migraine. The name "cluster" refers to the fact that these headaches typically comes in groupings that last between two weeks and three months. During a cluster period, there are usually two to three disabling headaches per day. Sufferers sometimes refer to these as "suicide headaches" due to their crippling effects.
Risk Factors
Fortunately, cluster headaches are the least common form of headache. Typically, these types of headaches afflict young people beginning prior to age 30. Men suffer from cluster headaches more frequently than women in a ratio of six to one according to the Cleveland Clinic, an academic medical center of Ohio.
Features
Cluster headaches are severe reaching their peak intensity after five to 10 minutes. The sensation is piercing or burning and is either throbbing or constant. Sufferers will usually pace rather than lie down during an attack. The pain begins on one side of the head where it usually remains. There is generally much pain in the eye on the afflicted side. There may also be tearing, redness and nasal discharge with the headache. It can last from several minutes to several hours with the most common duration being between 30 and 90 minutes. A cluster headache often wakes the individual up one or two hours after he has fallen asleep. While attacks may be chronic, many patients experience remission periods that may last years.
Mechanism
The exact biochemical cause of cluster headaches has not been determined. It is known that a cluster headache occurs when a particular pathway (the trigeminal--autonomic reflex) in the brainstem becomes activated. The hypothalamus of the brain is suspected of generated cluster headaches. It is rare for a tumor or aneurysm to cause cluster headaches. In general, the cause of these headaches cannot be identified in a particular person.
Triggers
There is a seasonal trigger to cluster migraines with the majority of attacks occurring in spring and in autumn. This feature often results in new sufferers believing they had some type of allergy. In reality, the seasonal nature of cluster headaches is probably due to stimulation of the brain's hypothalamus. Other possible triggers for cluster headaches include smoking and drinking alcohol on a frequent basis. Smoking and drinking only seem to be triggers during cluster periods as partaking of these substances during times of remission does not result in cluster migraines.
Warning Signs
Though cluster migraines begin suddenly, there are often signals an attack is imminent. You may feel a burning sensation or general feeling of discomfort especially on one side of your face. One of your eyes may begin to swell, redden, tear or droop. Also, there may be nasal stuffiness or discharge. In addition, you may begin sweating and become flushed. Sensitivity to light may be present directly before a cluster headache begins.
Treatment
Sumatriptan injections along with oxygen therapy are the most commonly used treatment methods. Prescription medications, such as zolmitriptan tablets, are sometimes given. These methods seek to halt cluster migraines already occurring. There are some medications used as privatives as well including calcium channel blockers, corticosterioids, and melatonin. In certain critical cases in which medication is unsuccessful, surgery may be advised. This is a rare treatment that often involves deep brain stimulation. A tiny wire is placed in the hypothalamus, which is stimulated by a very small generator positioned below the collarbone.
