The Symptoms Of A Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are diagnosed by your doctor, or health care provider based on your symptoms, and a physical examination. Some additional testing may be required in order to rule out other problems with similar symptoms.

An example of one of these tests would be an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). An MRI of the head is a non-invasive procedure that provides clear, detailed pictures of brain tissues.

Advance Warning

As sudden as a cluster headache attack can be, there may be some early warning signs as to it’s approach. For instance:

A general feeling of discomfort

Excessive sweating

A flushing of the face; only on one side

An unexplained nasal discharge

A swelling, or drooping of one eye

Shortly after these initial warning signs, with it’s customary suddenness, the cluster headache will begin with this set of unmistakable symptoms:

The Pain - A steady, sharp pain to one side of the head that usually begins 2 to 3 hours after falling asleep. The pain may also occur in and around one eye, and may involve one side of the face from the neck to the temple. Pain will peak within 5 to 10 minutes, with peak pain lasting from less than 1 hour to more than 2 hours. While the pain will eventually subside, chances are it will return later the same day.

Additional Symptoms & Reactions:

Swelling under, and around the one eye on the side being affected.

Excessive tearing on the affected side.

Rhinorrhea (runny nose), or nasal congestion on the affected side.

A reddening of the eye on the affected side.

A general redness, or flushing of the face.

Treatment Options: Treatment does not cure cluster headaches, but does offer some relief from it’s symptoms.

Injections of Imitrex

The inhalation of pure oxygen can often relieve cluster headache symptoms, expecially for those attacks that occur at night.

Corticosteroid medications such as prednisone may provide short-term relief of cluster headaches. However, long-term use is discouraged because of side effects.

Ergot preparations (containing ergotamine tartrate alone, or combined with other medications) may help prevent attacks in some people. However, the side effects may be severe.

Methysergide maleate may relieve pain, but this too may have severe side effects.

Additional Medications That May Be Used:

Amitriptyline

Antihistamines

Calcium Channel Blockers

Cyproheptadine

Indomethacin

Lithium Carbonate

Methysergide

Propranolol

Verapamil

Should any of these medical options fail to alleviate the cluster headache symptoms, surgery may be necessary on nerve cells near the brain.

Copyright &copy2007 Carl DiNello

Carl DiNello is an Article Author whose articles are featured on websites covering the Internet’s most popular topics.

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