Cluster headache

The cause of Cluster Headache: Cluster headache or migrainous neuralgia was recognized for the first time almost a century and a half ago; though genetically, bio-chemically and clinically different from migraine, the cause of a cluster headache is isolated from other illnesses or from other diseases of the brain. A few probable causes behind the ailment are as follows:

· Medications like vasodilators under the trade names Nitrospan and Nitrostat.

· Heavy smoking.

· Disturbed sleep patterns.

· Problems with the hypothalamus, the body’s biological clock controller.

Cluster Headache Symptom: The cluster headache symptoms can broadly be classified under two categories - the first one or the warning and the second, the actual symptoms marking the onset of the disease. As warnings, one may include botherations caused by bright light, odors, or loud noise besides visual changes triggering short-lasting blind spots, mild hallucinations and blurred visions; as the disease sets in, the active periods begin that may last from a few weeks up to a few months or more. The headaches start showing up one or more times a day and returns on a daily basis with sudden, intense pangs on one side of the head. Further progressions exhibit the onset of pain in or around one eye and its further spreading to the same side of the head, face, neck and forehead. Red or watery eyes, congested nostrils and swollen eyelids also signify the same.

The difference between cluster headache and migraine: The prime difference between cluster headache and a migraine is usually the absence of nausea or vomiting that often remains associated with the migraine headaches. The other differences are as follows:

· Cluster headaches cause the pain on one side of the head while migraine often involves both the sides.

· Migraines stop and start at specific intervals on a regular basis, while cluster headaches appear daily for weeks to months, and then disappear for prolonged periods.

· Migraines last from a few hours to a few days, while cluster headaches show up for a few hours several times per day.

· Migraines turn worse if the victim moves around but cluster headaches reduce with movements.

· Migraines affect both men and women while cluster headaches are completely a man’s thing.

Cluster Headache Treatment: Pain relief remedies, i.e. cluster headache treatment depends upon a dual strategy; while drugs like Sumatriptan or Imitrex are considered potential cures, with oxygen supplied for about 15 minutes the effects of the drugs can be enhanced to a great deal. But before these medications start for this chronic form of ailment, smoking and alcohol consumption must be stopped completely. Other alternatives include drugs developed for treating depression, heart disease or seizures like Amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant) and Valproic Acid (originally developed to prevent seizures), but it is important to check it first with a health-care provider.