Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches affect one side of the head (unilateral) and may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose.

The head pain occurs repeatedly every day at the same time for several weeks and then goes away.

Cluster head pain begins as a severe, sudden attack of head pains. No specific cause has been found for the disorder, but it appears to be related to a sudden release of histamine or serotonin by body tissues.

Swelling under or around the eyes (usually one eye, on the same side as the head pain)

Excessive tears (on the affected side)

Red eye (on the affected side)

Rhinorrhea (runny nose) or nasal congestion (typically occurs on only one side of the nose, the same side as the head pain)

Red, flushed face

Head pain

• Begins suddenly
• Commonly begins 2 to 3 hours after falling asleep
• Steady, sharp pain
• Burning or boring pain
• Characteristically occurs on one side of the head
• May occur in and around one eye
• May involve one side of the face from neck to temples
• Pain quickly gets worse, peaking within 5 to 10 minutes
• Peak pain may last one-half to 2 hours

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