Cluster headaches

What are they?

Cluster headaches are excruciating attacks of pain in one side of the head, often felt behind the eye.

They come out of the blue and can be more painful than migraine or any other type of headache.

They’re called cluster headaches because sufferers usually get between one and three attacks every day for several weeks or months before they subside.

Types of cluster headache Episodic

– headaches are separated by pain-free periods of one month or more.

Chronic – headaches are separated by pain-free periods of less than one month.

What causes them?

Research suggests that when a cluster headache comes on, the hypothalamus in the brain becomes more active, releasing chemicals which trigger the headache.

A cluster headache can be triggered by certain things, such as drinking alcohol, an increase in body temperature because of exercising or hot weather.

Who is affected?

They affect around one in 1,000 people. Eight out of 10 people are men and most are smokers. What’s the treatment? Cluster headaches can often be relieved with a medication called sumatriptan.

Treatments may vary in effectiveness from person to person and you’ll have to try a few combinations of drugs to gain relief.

In some cases, preventative treatment may also be necessary.