Remedies For Cluster Headache

By: arpita

• Home Remedies

December 1, 2009

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Cluster headache is a rare form of headache. The headache occurs on one side of the head. It is often associated with excessive tear and runny or stuffy nose. Cluster headache follows a cyclical pattern.

A typical cluster headache episode might comprise of regular short-lived attacks that might last for four to eight weeks, followed by a headache free period, which might last up to a year. The periods during which frequent cluster headache attacks occur are known as cluster periods. Cluster headache is different from migraine.

It has been observed that compared to women, men are more likely to suffer from cluster headache. More than 80 percent of cluster pain sufferers are men. The headache usually occurs between 20 and 50 years of age.

Cluster headache symptoms

Cluster headache is characterized by intense and sharp headache. The pain is centered around one eye, from where it might spread to other parts of the face, head, shoulder and neck.

It is also associated with eye inflammation, dropping eyelid, excessive tear, red eyes and nostril on the side of the face affected by the pain might become stuffy or runny. Cluster headache strikes suddenly and it reaches its peak within 5 to 10 minutes. The worst pain might last between 30 minutes and 2 hours.

Cluster headache causes

It is believed that abnormalities on the hypothalamus might be responsible for cluster headache. The cyclical pattern of the trigger suggests that perhaps the biological clock of the body could be responsible for the headache triggers.

During the cluster headache period, the levels of hormones such as cortisol and melatonin rise in the body. These hormones might have a role in triggering the headache. Sudden changes in the serotonin level could be responsible for this condition.

Cluster headache remedies

Changes in the sleep pattern that disrupts the biological clock of the body might trigger cluster headache. Sticking to your regular sleep routine could help to reduce the episodes of cluster headache. Unlike migraine, cluster headache is not triggered by specific foods. Nonetheless, drinking alcohol could worsen your cluster headache.

During the cluster period, you should stay away from alcohol. Similarly, medications and foods such as processed meat that contain nitrates should be avoided during the cluster period. Smoking and exposure to certain fumes could trigger the pain during cluster periods.

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