Cluster Headaches

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

Take a mild headache reliever

Place a cool washcloth over your forehead and close your eyes from the light for 15 minutes.

Use a quick meditation trick to relax your mind – here is one.

Carry a small vile of peppermint oil with you and place a drop on each index finger – then rub the oil on your temples to release the tension.

Massage your temples, back of neck and use eye relaxation techniques to reduce tension on these muscles

Do neck stretches by leaning your neck far to the right and hold then far to the left.

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