Headache World

Cluster headaches are most likely the most serious of all types of headaches in terms of the level of pain that they induce. Many times this type of headache is also referred to as a “suicide headache”, this term stemming from earlier studies on the condition where patients with chronic conditions had to be monitored for danger of them committing suicide as the pain was so severe.

Cluster headaches are usually ipsilateral (on the same side) though some have been recorded to be on both, or on very rare occasions “move” across the head.

Cluster headaches are one of the few groups of headaches that are more prevalent in men than women and while in conditions such as migraines and tension headaches genetics are a significant factor in calculating risk it seems that it is less so in cluster headaches, though this does not mean that genetics plays no role and in many cases sufferers have direct family members that also have the same condition. Luckily, this condition is rare, and for any individual suffering an attack immediate medical attention would be required. Unfortunately its onset is quick and often without the usual triggers that are associated with migraines or other headaches therefore it can be difficult in determining when a headache such as this might occur.

Female sufferers have described it as “worse than giving birth” and the description of the pain experienced is often described as “lancing” or “piercing”. Attacks can last anywhere from around 30 minutes to hours.

It is known that the direct cause for cluster headaches is vascular – the swelling of blood vessels in the brain puts pressure on the trigeminal nerve, contained in the spinal column. The pain is extreme and affects the entire nervous system, however it is not yet known what all the triggers for the severity of such an attack are. It has been found that hydrocarbons such as petroleum-based products and perfume as well as alcohol can be triggers for an attack, though these are not necessarily the same for all sufferers.

For any individuals who are wondering if they have this condition it is unlikely that if the pain they are experiencing is any less than agonizing, though any sufferer that is experiencing any sudden pain in their head should seek medical advice immediately as it could be caused by a number of other conditions.

Treatment of cluster headaches is a problem for many. Common pain killers have proven non-effective, as have common migraine treatments. Many of the treatments applied are either preventative (requiring regular dosage to keep the attacks at bay) or abortive (when the attacks occur application of the treatment will not stop it but decrease its strength and/or duration).
Strangely, it has been found that for some sufferers taking strong cups of coffee when they feel the onset of an episode have reported pain relief, though caffeine has been seen to usually act as a trigger rather than a cure. Some successes have also been found with pure oxygen therapy. Therefore, people who are aware of their susceptibility to attacks may wish to have gas cylinders on-hand.

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