A cluster headache is a type of head pain that occurs multiple times in a short period. After a respite of weeks to months another cluster of painful attacks can occur. Although the length and timing of cluster headaches vary among individuals, the symptoms associated with cluster headaches are consistent and distinct from other headache types.
One-Sided Pain
A characteristic symptom of cluster headache is pain on one side of the head, similar to migraine pain. However, cluster headache pain differs significantly because of the extremely sharp, stabbing nature of the symptoms. In many cases, the extreme pain appears to start at the back of the head and worsen just behind the eye.
Eye and Sinus Symptoms
Adding to the eye-related pain of a cluster headache are other facial symptoms common during an attack. These include a watery and red eye on the affected side of the head, swollen or drooping eyelid and altered pupil size. In addition, symptoms in the sinus passages occur, including runny nose and a stuffy feeling, especially on the same side of the face as the head pain.
Nervous System Symptoms
Symptoms related to nervous system activity include profuse sweating on the affected side and agitation or restlessness. In particular, people experiencing a cluster headache may feel the need to move or rock to relieve symptoms instead of lying down in a quiet area, as people with migraines often do to obtain headache relief.
Cluster Periods
The most distinct symptom that identifies head pain as a cluster headache is the unusual schedule of headache. Cluster headaches occur in groups, and these sets of headaches may occur as often as eight times in one day. Each headache can last from a few minutes to 3 or more hours, as well. Although the length of headache can be reduced with some medications, more research is needed to prevent cluster headaches or to break the cluster period cycle.
