Cluster Headache Treatment

Episodic Cluster Headache

This type accounts for roughly 80% of cluster headaches. Sufferers will have attacks with bouts of cluster periods which can last weeks or months, followed by pain-free periods called remission periods which can last months to years. They can often occur seasonally at set times during the year.

Chronic Cluster Headache

This type accounts for roughly 20% of cluster headaches. Sufferers will have attacks lasting for a year or more without remission periods. Some may have periods of headache-free days, however, remission periods lasts less than one month.

Risk factors for Cluster Headaches

– Sex: Men are 5-6 times more likely to have cluster headaches than females

– Smoking: Sufferers are usually heavy smokers, or their parents are smokers

– Alcohol: Significant alcohol consumption may be a risk factor.

– Age: The average age is between 20 to 50 years old, however, this condition can develop in all age brackets

– Family History: Having a family member with cluster headaches may also increase the risk

Cluster Headache Theory

As with many forms of headache, the cause of cluster headache was previously unknown. Medical professionals have been prescribing medications such as Triptans, which have been effective at relieving the pain, if taken early enough to ‘catch’ the headache. The effect of Triptans, as most doctors originally thought, was that it predominantly works on migraines as it helps prevent dilatation of the blood vessels in the head to stop migraines.

However, recent studies have shown that dilatation and expansion of the blood vessels are no different to those suffering from a migraine and those who are migraine-free. More importantly, the physiology of blood vessels in the head during a cluster headache do not expand, yet patients still benefit from medications such as Triptans.