About one in 1,000 people suffers from cluster headache, and it is a common disease among people, just like other known diseases.
What is a cluster headache?
It is a type of headache that affects one cleft of the head, and is usually centered around the eye and nose on that side. It was called "cluster" because it occurs in the form of episodes that repeat 1 to 3 times a day at the same time, for several weeks or months. Then, a recovery period may extend to months or years, but it will return and not be cured.
Usually, people who suffer from cluster headaches experience headaches at fixed periods of the year, which may coincide with certain times, such as the period between the seasons' reversals, or in the spring or autumn period, for example.
Cluster headache attacks are characterized by severity, and often come in the form of a repetitive pulse on one side of the head, and are usually accompanied by redness of the eye, a runny nose, and a rise in temperature on the affected side.
Symptoms of a cluster headache:
A cluster headache attack comes quickly and without warning, and its symptoms are:
Severe pain localized in, behind, or around one eye, and could spread to other areas of the face, head and neck.
Pain on one side of the head.
Excessive secretion of tears from the eye on the affected side.
Redness of the eye on the affected side.
A blocked or runny nostril on the affected side.
Paleness of the skin or increased redness of the face.
Inflammation of the area around the eye on the affected side.
Eyelid droop on the affected side.
Forehead or face sweating on the affected side.
Characterization of cluster headache:
1. Pain pattern:
The pain in almost all cases is unilateral, and is described as burning or piercing, and it may be throbbing or constant. The pain may also be so severe that the patient is unable to remain calm and often walks during an attack.
2. The location of the pain:
The pain is located behind one of the eyes or in the eye area without changing direction, and it may spread to the forehead, temples or nose on the affected side, and the patient may feel the pulse of the arteries located at the site of pain.
3. Duration of pain:
The pain in a cluster headache attack usually lasts for 15 to 180 minutes and then goes away, but comes back again later that day.
4. Pain frequency:
Most cluster headache sufferers experience one to three headaches per day, during the so-called "cluster headache" attack; And this headache occurs very regularly, at the same time every day.
What are the characteristics of a cluster period?
The cluster period generally lasts from several weeks to months, and the start date and duration of each cluster period may be consistent from period to period; For example: Cluster periods can occur at seasonal times, such as every spring or fall.
The most important sign of the diagnosis is the cluster headache cycle, as the headache cycles and the duration of the attack are almost constant.
Chronic cluster periods may last more than a year, and pain-free periods may last for indefinite periods.
The headache usually occurs every day during the cluster period, and sometimes several times a day.
A single episode can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours, and it often occurs at the same time every day, and most of it occurs at night an hour or two after bedtime.
The pain ends abruptly as it began, with rapidly decreasing intensity; Also, most people may not feel any pain after seizures, but they are stressed.
What are the causes of cluster headaches?
The exact biological cause of cluster headache is not yet known, but some researchers believe that it has to do with the hypothalamus, which represents the internal biological clock that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. In addition to its relationship with the activation of the trigeminal nerve - the main nerve in the face - where the activation of this nerve leads to eye pain associated with cluster headaches.
In contrast to migraine and tension headache, cluster headaches are not related to any of the triggers, such as food, hormonal changes, or external stressors. The headache pain, although severe, is not usually caused by any of the underlying diseases. But sometimes, headaches may indicate a serious underlying medical condition, a brain tumor or a rupture of a blood vessel in the brain.
What are the risk factors for a cluster headache?
Risk factors for developing a cluster headache include:
1. Gender: Men are usually more likely to develop cluster headaches than women. .
2. Age: Most people who get a cluster headache are between 20 and 50 years old, although it can occur at any age.
3. Smoking: smokers are more likely to suffer from cluster headaches. However, quitting smoking may have no effect on these headaches.
4. Alcohol: If you have cluster headaches, drinking alcohol during a cluster attack may increase your likelihood of having a violent attack.
5. Family history: Having a family member with cluster headache may increase the likelihood of developing it.
What are the triggers for cluster headache?
Cluster headaches often occur in the spring or fall. Cluster headaches are also common in smokers and alcoholics. During the period of cluster headache, the patient may become more sensitive to the effects of alcohol and nicotine, and a small amount of them can trigger a severe headache.
Cluster headache treatment:
There is no cure for cluster headaches. The treatments available help reduce the intensity of the pain, reduce the duration of the headache, and prevent attacks. And given that the headache pain comes on suddenly, and may subside within a short period; It is difficult to assess and treat.
1. Pharmacological treatments for cluster headache:
Medicines from the group of triptins are used to treat migraines, either by injection or by inhalation. As for traditional pain relievers, they often do not help relieve the pain of this type of headache. This is because it takes a lot of time to take effect. In very rare cases, doctors may need to operate when all other treatment methods have not worked.
2. Adopting a healthy and healthy lifestyle:
Cluster headaches can start when there are changes to your sleep schedule. So, maintain your normal sleep routine during a cluster headache, avoid drinking alcohol and stay away from stress.
3. Some non-drug treatments for cluster headache:
Eat foods rich in magnesium: Most patients with cluster headaches have low magnesium levels. Therefore, experts advise incorporating foods rich in this element in the diet, such as almonds, figs, and avocados, or replacing it with magnesium supplements.
Melatonin: The hormone melatonin regulates your sleep patterns. If the levels are low in your body, you are more likely to develop a cluster headache.
Ginger: Ginger is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that can help relieve symptoms of cluster headaches.
Deep breathing exercises: Deep breathing provides the brain with more oxygen, which helps reduce pain during cluster headache attacks.
Essential oils: essential oils contain aromatic compounds that can relieve cluster headaches, such as: peppermint oil and lavender.
Vitamin B2: A study published in the European Journal of Neurology found that participants who were given 400 capsules of vitamin B2 had fewer cluster headache attacks. That's because its deficiency can cause nerve damage and inflammation.
Oxygen inhalation: 10-minute oxygen inhalation can relieve headache pain instantly, and patients are advised to buy an oxygen cylinder; It has been found that the most effective treatment for a cluster headache during an attack is inhalation of oxygen through a mask.
Conclusion:
Coping with cluster headaches can be difficult, and attacks may seem unbearable and make you feel anxious and depressed, affecting your relationships, work, and quality of life. But talking to a counselor or therapist may help you deal with the effects of cluster headaches. Joining a cluster headache support group may put you in touch with others who are facing similar problems, who may provide you with some information or recommend a doctor who can help you.
