Cluster headache is an intense pain that is felt usually around the eye or on one side of the head.
Studies show that this is one of the most painful kind of headaches. It can awaken one at night with severe pain and may happen frequently. It comes without warning.
It may also come and go for months at a time which is referred to as cluster periods.
What is a Cluster Period?
Cluster periods, or the frequency of cluster headaches, can sometimes last weeks or even months.
There are remission periods when no headaches occur for months or even years. Cluster periods may be consistent. For example, a cluster headache can occur every Spring or Autumn.
Determining What is Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are not like migraines.
Migraines usually have triggers, but cluster headaches may come without warning and may last from a minimum of 15 minutes up to a few hours.
The main difference of cluster headache from others is that it only affects one side of the face.
In a cluster headache, the trigeminal nerve is affected. This nerve is responsible in feeling various sensations like pain.
This nerve is near the eye and may branch up to the forehead, cheek, jaw and ear on one side of the face.
Characteristics of a Cluster Headache
There are some characteristics that set cluster headache apart, here are some examples:
- One-Sided Pain
The pain is only felt on one side of the face. The pain may transfer to the other side of the face, but it doesn’t happen on both sides at once.
- Short but Frequent Duration
Cluster headaches may only last for minutes or hours. It may suddenly disappear but comes back again.
On average, a sufferer may report up to three cluster headaches a day. Some people only have one headache every other day but there are also some who suffer up to 8 times a day.
- Predictable
This type of headache is sometimes called “alarm clock headache”. It is predictable and may happen on specific times of the day.
Studies have shown that the attacks may be linked to the body’s circadian rhythm. They usually happen regularly at the same time every day.
One or more of the following symptoms may describe what is cluster headache:
- Sudden severe pain around or behind the eye
- Pain may also radiate to head, neck and other areas of the face
- Pain is one-sided
- Sore eyes on affected side of the face
- Runny nose on the affected side of the face
- Facial sweating
- Swelling around the eye on the affected side of the face
- Drooping eyelid on the affected side of the face
- Restlessness
- Sensitivity to light of the eye on the affected side of the face
Possible Causes of this Type of Headache
There is no definitive cause for cluster headache. However, studies show that it is linked to activities in the hypothalamus. This is a small part of the brain, but it is also a crucial one.
It controls the body’s functions and maintains the body’s internal balance. It keeps the heart rate and blood pressure stable.
Lifestyle factors can increase the risk of suffering from cluster headaches.
People who frequently smoke tobacco and drink alcohol have a higher risk. Also, studies have shown that it may be genetic.
People who have family members who suffer cluster headaches may also be more likely to develop symptoms of what is cluster headache.
When to Consult Medical Help from a Headache
Cluster headache is not life threatening. But it is important to consult medical professionals when you are not feeling normal or in these cases:
- Fever
Consult a doctor if headache is accompanied by a fever.
- Nausea
If nauseous, it is important to call a medical professional, especially if headache is felt after a head injury.
- Change in Pattern
Cluster headaches are usually predictable. If there is a sudden change in pattern, seek medical help.
Finding Treatments for Cluster Headache
There are several suitable treatments for cluster headache including chiropractic care.
While medications may help lessen the pain in the short term, this is only treating the symptom not the cause.
A Chiropractor may provide a more natural but permanent solution as viable treatments for cluster headache.
A Chiropractor may provide gentle adjustments to realign the spine, restoring the spine and nervous system to optimal health.
Try a Lifestyle Change
Cluster headaches are in tune with the body clock. A change in routine can cause a cluster headache.
Making the changes to develop a healthy lifestyle by avoiding overindulging in alcohol and eliminating smoking, may be all the treatments for cluster headache your body needs!
Living with cluster headaches can be difficult, but finding a solution is attainable.
Your local Chiropractor can provide more information about what is cluster headache, and offer suitable treatments which may alleviate or eliminate the symptoms.
To find a Chiropractor in your area willing to help with your Cluster Headache go here: Gold Coast Chiropractors or go here for more information on migraines
