Cluster Headache

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Cluster headaches are very painful headaches that start quickly, peak within 15 minutes, and stop suddenly. The headache usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes but can last up to 3 hours. A cluster period usually lasts for 2 to 12 weeks but can last longer than a year. Weeks or months may pass before a new cluster period begins.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

There is no cure, but treatment may help your signs and symptoms. Your caregiver may have you try several medicines to find out what works best for you. You may need a blend of medicines for pain and for prevention. Ask your caregiver for more information about the medicines you need.

• Treatment for pain relief during a cluster headache:
  
  
  • Oxygen: You may get pain relief if you breathe 100% pure oxygen during a cluster headache. You will breathe through a plastic mask that is attached to an oxygen tank for about 15 minutes. Your caregiver will give you oxygen at a clinic or you may be able to use an oxygen tank at home. Ask your caregiver for more information.
    
    
  • Migraine medicine: You need a doctor's order for medicine used to treat migraines and other headaches. These are given because they work fast to relieve your pain.
    
    
  • Steroids: These medicines help reduce pain and swelling. They may also be used to prevent cluster headaches.
    
    
  • Numbing medicine: This may be given to numb your pain if other treatments do not work.
  
  

• Prevention medicines: One goal is to stop headaches before they happen. Another goal is to shorten a cluster period. Headaches may happen less often and be less severe with these medicines. You may take 1 medicine at the start of a cluster period. You may take a different medicine for as long as your cluster period lasts or is expected to last.
  
  
  • Seizure medicine: Medicines used to prevent seizures can also prevent cluster headaches.
    
    
  • Mood stabilizer: This medicine may prevent cluster headaches because it helps balance chemicals in your brain.
  
  

Manage cluster headaches:

• Do not smoke: Cluster headaches are more common among smokers. Talk to your caregiver if you need help quitting.
  
  
• Do not drink alcohol during a cluster period: Alcohol triggers more headaches during cluster periods.
  
  
• Do not travel between altitudes: Altitude changes can trigger headaches. Avoid flying on an airplane or traveling between places with high and low altitudes.
  
  
• Set a regular sleep schedule: Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. Changes in sleep patterns may trigger cluster headaches.
  
  
• Manage stress: Stress, long hours at work, and emotional challenges can trigger cluster headaches. Find out what works for you to lower stress.
  
  
• Keep a headache journal: Write down when your headaches start and stop, and exactly what you were doing when they began. Record what you ate or drank and how much you slept in the 24 hours before the headache. Keep track of the things you did to treat your symptoms. Write down if they did or did not help. Do this to learn what triggers your headaches and how to make them go away.
  
  
• Work with your caregiver to manage your pain: Both pain relievers and medicines used to treat other health conditions can trigger cluster headaches. Go over all your medicines with your caregiver. Work with him to manage your headache pain and other conditions.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or neurologist as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or neurologist if:

• You cannot get enough sleep because of your headaches.
  
  
• Your headaches happen each time you are active.
  
  
• Treatment does not help your symptoms.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your treatment or condition.

Return to the emergency department if:

• You feel tired or sleepy.
  
  
• You cannot see clearly.
  
  
• Your stomach is upset or you are vomiting.
  
  
• You have a seizure.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Cluster Headache (Aftercare Instructions)