What Are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headaches derive their name from headaches, which occur in a cluster. This means a cluster of headaches occur within certain period of time. This period of time is referred to as cluster periods. These cluster periods may last anywhere from weeks to months. Then there is a time of remission when the headaches completely stop. Every patient is different, but most experience one or two cluster periods per year. A patient may go months or years without an occurrence.

Cluster headaches are rare and only affect less than 1% of the population. Unlike Migraine headaches, men are more likely to experience cluster headaches than women. These headaches seem to make their attack between the ages or 12-50, although any age may experience them. Attacks are exceedingly painful but are not life treating.

Cluster headaches usually last for a period of 30-90 minutes. The area of pain is generally located in the eye, forehead, temple, and cheek area. The attacks are always on one side, unlike the Migraine that can affect both sides. They are more likely to occur at night and likely to be of the same time frame. Nobody knows for sure what causes Cluster headaches, although it is recognized that some family members seem to carry the same condition, this may indicate that one may have an inherited tendency to develop Cluster headaches.

Cluster headaches are associated with drooping eyelids, watery eyes, red eyes, tearing, edema, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sweating. There have been reports of some, which experience stiffness of the neck, teeth and jaw pain. The pain of Cluster headaches is said to be more sever than that of a Migraine. The onset is sudden, one cannot lie down, but can only pace the floor because the pain is so excruciating. Cluster headaches also have been labeled "suicide headaches" because of their harshness.

While there are medication to help relieve the pain of Cluster attacks, what works one time may not the next.