A cluster headache is a type of headache that only occurs on one side of your head and may involve tearing of your eyes and a stuffy nose. According to Medline Plus, the headaches occur repeatedly every day at the same time for several weeks and then go away. Researchers are not sure what causes cluster headaches, but think there is a relationship in your body's release of certain neurotransmitters. Cluster headaches cannot be cured; therefore, prevention and symptom relief are important. There are a few guidelines you can follow to get relief from your chronic cluster headache.
Step 1
Keep a diary of the dates and times you have a cluster headache. Alter your environment, if possible, to reduce these possible triggers.
Step 2
Discuss short-term medications that will prevent headache attacks during the period of time it takes for long-term medications to kick in, according to the Mayo Clinic. Ask your doctor about the possible risk, side effects, complications and expected outcomes of corticosteroids, ergotamine and nerve blocks.
Step 3
Ask your doctor if prescribing a calcium channel blocker is the best chronic cluster headache treatment for you. Alert your doctor if you experience constipation, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, swelling of the ankles or low blood pressure, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
Step 4
Take lithium to prevent chronic cluster headaches, if recommended by your doctor. Let your doctor know if you experience tremor, increased urination and diarrhea. Attend all appointments that are necessary to check blood levels of lithium to avoid kidney damage and other serious side effects.
Things You'll Need
- Headache journal
