Headaches, they’re quite the pain aren’t they? Ok, corny joke and we shouldn’t be joking because I know headaches are never fun to experience. Yes, we’ve all experienced a headache or few at some point in our lives, but some of us experience them more often than others. One type of headache is the cluster headache, which can cause quite the annoyance each time it appears, so why not make sure it doesn’t come back? Let’s take a look at cluster headaches and your treatment options.
Understanding Cluster Headaches
A cluster headache refers to the type of headache that recurs over a period of time. You might experience cluster headaches one to three times a day during a period of time, which may last from two weeks to three months—ouch! That’s simply unacceptable. People who suffer from cluster headaches often get them at the same time each year, such as the spring or fall, which is a cause for concern. However, many people just brace themselves for the upcoming headache because it has happened so often and they don’t think anything of it.
Due to a cluster headache, you might find that you wake up from sleep one to two hours after going to bed. These nocturnal attacks can be more severe than the daytime cluster headaches because they appear to be linked to the circadian rhythm, or “biological” clock. Cluster headaches can also be more intense than a migraine attack but fortunately do not last as long as a migraine headache. These headaches might even disappear completely, only to return again in months or years without any warning.
So, Who Gets Them?
Cluster headaches are the least common type of headaches and affect less than one in 1,000 people. Typically, cluster headaches start before the age of 30 and are more common in men than women. The cause is often unknown, but the headaches occur when a nerve pathway in the base of the brain is activated. The trigeminal nerve is the main nerve of the face responsible for sensations, such as heat or pain. When activated, the trigeminal nerve causes the eye pain associated with cluster headaches.
If you suspect you might be suffering from cluster headaches, contact Craniofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Center of Georgia for more information on treatment options to help eliminate your pain. After all, it is summer and you want to enjoy the weather, right? Don’t worry, we can help.