Cluster headaches hit suddenly and unexpectedly, and you may experience migraine-like nausea and aura first. A few of the most common indications and symptoms of a headache are as follows:
A cluster headache can cause certain migraine-like symptoms, such as sensitivity to light and sound, though on one side.
A cluster phase might span anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Each cluster period’s start date and duration may be consistent from one period to the next. Cluster periods, for example, can occur on a seasonal basis, such as every spring or every fall.
The majority of people suffer from episodic cluster headaches. The headaches in episodic cluster headaches last from a week to a year, followed by a pain-free remission period that can continue up to a year before another cluster headache appears.
The pain disappears quickly as swiftly as it began, with the intensity suddenly decreasing. Most people are pain-free yet fatigued after an attack.
The pain and attacks of cluster headache are characterized by a specific pattern. You should describe your headache, the location and severity of the pain, and any symptoms you are experiencing in order to make a proper diagnosis. The frequency and duration of headaches are other key considerations.
Some approaches will be used by your doctor to identify the type and cause of your headache.
Your doctor may detect neurological disorders by performing a neurological examination. An examination for cluster headache patients is usually normal. During the assessment, your doctor will test your senses, reflexes, and nerves to determine how well your brain functions.
A doctor might suggest imaging tests if you experience unusual or complicated headaches, or if your neurological examination is abnormal. This is in order to rule out other potentially serious causes of head pain, such as a tumor or an aneurysm. Tests that are commonly performed on the brain include:
It produces detailed images of your brain and blood vessels by using both a powerful magnetic field and radio waves.
An X-ray is used to construct detailed cross-sectional images of your brain.
Cluster headaches cannot be cured. During treatment, pain is curtailed, headache times are shortened, and attacks are prevented. Cluster headaches are difficult to diagnose and treat because they come on suddenly and disappear within a short period of time. As a result, medications with a fast effect are required. Pain relief can be provided quickly by certain types of acute medication. In the treatment of cluster headache in both its acute and preventative stages, the following therapies have shown the most promised results.
At Padda Institute, our specialists offer the treatments for the acute cluster headaches. The chronic cluster headache treatments offered are as follow:
The treatment includes use of a mask to inhale pure oxygen providing dramatic relief. Results are usually felt within 15 minutes of this inexpensive, safe procedure. The general experience of oxygen is safe and without complications. As an oxygen treatment, oxygen cylinders and regulators need to be carried with you, which can be inconvenient and sometimes impossible. Many people find portable units impractical, even though small, portable units are available.
Sumatriptan injections (Imitrex) are also helpful for treating acute cluster headaches. Patients may receive their first injection under medical supervision. Nasal sprays may be effective for some people, but aren’t as effective as injections for most people, and may take longer to work. However, people with severe hypertension or heart disease shouldn’t consume sumatriptan. Cluster headaches can also be relieved with zolmitriptan (Zomig), another triptan medication. If you are not able to tolerate other types of fast-acting treatments, this medication may be an option. It is difficult to treat cluster headaches acutely with oral medications because they are relatively slow to work and often ineffective. Always share your medical history with your doctor before starting any medications.
Cluster headache can be effectively treated with octreotide (Sandostatin), an injectable synthetic version of the brain hormone somatostatin. Overall, it is less effective and less fast-acting than triptans in relieving pain.
Some patients may experience relief from cluster headache pain when lidocaine is given nasally (intranasally).
Some people suffering from cluster headaches may benefit from injectable dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45). A similar medication is available as an inhaled (intranasal) formulation, but this isn’t proven to relieve cluster headaches.
You might be evaluated and treated by a team of Padda Institute neurologists in addition to your treating physician.
Choosing the right treatment for you is a team effort between you and the doctors at Padda Institute. There is no cure for cluster headaches, but doctors will help you manage them.
Coordinating your medical care will be done by your doctor and your primary doctor.