Cluster headaches are an intensely painful type of headache which typically occur regularly over a six- to 12-week period. Commonly, these "alarm clock headaches" awaken you in the middle of the night with extreme pain on one side of your head, according to MayoClinic.com. Although the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, an abnormality in the hypothalamus seems to be involved. While migraines and tension headaches often have traceable triggers, cluster headaches are not associated with consumption of a certain food.
Symptoms
A cluster headache is characterized by pain on one side of the head, usually around the eye. You may feel restless, experience tearing and have redness in the eye. Swelling, paleness, shrunken pupils and drooped eyelids are other hallmarks of this type of headache. The headaches come on suddenly, last 15 minutes to 2 hours and the pain resolves suddenly. Usually, you experience the headaches at about the same time each day over the course of several weeks, or up to six months. You can go into remission for years.
Food Triggers
In some people, food triggers such as nitrates in processed meats, caffeine, alcohol, tyramine in aged cheese and fermented foods, chocolate and artificial sweeteners can cause migraines – a different type of headache. The only food product that is associated with cluster headaches is alcohol. If you are in a cluster period, even a few sips of beer or wine can set off an episode.
Treatment
No cure for cluster headaches exists. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule and avoiding alcohol can help reduce incidences. During an episode, you may be given oxygen or an injection of medicine. Preventive measures include a prescription of calcium channel blockers or corticosteroids. In extreme cases, surgery may be indicated. Consult your physician for the treatment appropriate for your needs.
Diet Strategies
During an episode, you will probably not want anything to eat. Following a nutritious, whole-foods diet helps to ensure that you do not become dehydrated or deficient in certain nutrients, which may cause other types of headaches. Be sure to consume adequate amounts of potassium, carbohydrates, calcium and vitamin E from foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and nuts and seeds. Although no connection between migraine-triggering foods and cluster headaches is definitive, you may avoid foods such as aged cheese, caffeine and nitrates to be safe.
