Cluster Headaches: what is it? have you ever heard of it?

Have you ever heard of Cluster Headaches? The worst pain is known to humans. 15% to 22% of patients have suicidal thoughts during cluster headache attacks. Cluster headache is an exceruciatingly painful headache disorder.it is also known as “suicide headache”. Cluster headache is a rare chronic disease. It was reported as early 1745 in a textbook written by Gerard van Swieten. The term “cluster” is used as the attacks usually occur in groups or clusters. Attacks can occur on consecutive days for 6-8 weeks. And can occur at a very specific time of the day. Attacks frequently occur at night. Attacks are one-sided only and almost always the same side of the head. The duration of the attack is generally 15 minutes to 3 hours.

Cluster headache affects around 0.3% of the population. It usually develops between the ages of 20 and 40. It occurs rarely in children and is extremely rare after 70-75. Men are affected around three times more often than women. Research shows the involvement of the “hypothalamus” which is part of the brain involved in circadian rhythm (body clock). Alcohol is the only dietary trigger of cluster headaches. Strong odors may also trigger cluster headache attacks. Researchers have found a strong link between smoking and cluster headaches. Physical activity can relieve the pain of cluster headaches. Symptoms include runny nose, tearing, swelling, and redness of the eye.

Cluster headaches remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed because of misleading symptoms such as sinus, ear, or toothache. The exact cause of cluster headaches is currently unknown. Research shows that genetics may contribute to triggering the attacks. Ther is no curative treatment available for cluster headaches. However, preventive medications are available. The most effective medication is called “Verapamil”. Oxygen therapy is also used for the treatment of cluster headaches inhaling pure oxygen effectively stops cluster headache attacks. Cluster headache is much more severe than migraines. The coexistence of migraine and cluster headache is rare. You know your disease sucks when its descriptive drawings look like death metal album covers.