Cluster Headache, Dentist Charlotte NC

A cluster headaches is a painful headache that occurs in a cyclical pattern or cluster. Bouts of frequent attacks (clusters) may last from weeks to months, usually followed by remission periods when the headaches stop completely. The patterns vary from person to person but most people have 1-2 cluster periods per year. Cluster headaches strike quickly and without warning. Typical signs and symptoms include:

Excruciating pain, generally around the eyes, but may radiate to other areas of the face, head, neck and shoulders
One sided pain
Restlessness
Excessive tearing
Redness in the eye of the affected side
Stuffy and runny nasal passages in the nostril on the affected side
Sweaty pale skin on the affected side
Swelling around the eye of the affected side
Reduced pupil size
Drooping eyelid

During a cluster period:

Headaches typically appear every day, sometimes several times a day
A single attack may last 15 minutes to 3 hours
The attacks often at the same time within each 24 hour day
The majority of attacks occur between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m.

The exact cause of cluster headaches is not known, but abnormalities in the hypothalamus likely plays a role. Other factors may include abnormal levels of hormones and neurotransmitters.

Risk factors include:

Being a man
Being an adult
Being black
Smoking
Drinking alcohol
A family history

There is no cure for cluster headaches. The goal of the treatment is to decrease the severity of the pain and shorten the headache period. Over the counter pain meds usually are not effective because the time the drug begins to work the headache is over. Short and long term medications are available from a doctor. Some prevention measures can be taken also. These include:

Stick to a regular sleep schedule
Avoid alcohol
Limit exposure to volatile substances
Avoid high altitudes (less oxygen)
Avoid tobacco products
Avoid nitrates

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Cluster Headache, Dentist Charlotte NC