Diseases
cluster headache
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Cluster headache (CH) is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent severe headaches on one side of the head, typically around the eye(s). There is often accompanying eye watering, nasal congestion, or swelling around the eye on the affected side. These symptoms typically last 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Symptoms
- excruciating pain that is generally situated in, behind or around one eye.
- one-sided pain
- restlessness
- excessive tearing
- redness of your eye on the affected side
Causes
- the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but cluster headache patterns suggest that abnormalities in the body's biological clock (hypothalamus) play a role.
Risk factors
- men are more likely to have cluster headaches.
- most people who develop cluster headaches are between ages 20 and 50,
- smoking, alcohol use.
Diagnosis
- neurological examination
- imaging tests (ct scans, or mri)
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is cluster headache?
Cluster headache (CH) is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent severe headaches on one side of the head, typically around the eye(s). There is often accompanying eye watering, nasal congestion, or swelling around the eye on the affected side. These symptoms typically last 15 minutes to 3 hours.
What are the symptoms of cluster headache?
excruciating pain that is generally situated in, behind or around one eye., one-sided pain, restlessness, excessive tearing, redness of your eye on the affected side
What causes cluster headache?
the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but cluster headache patterns suggest that abnormalities in the body's biological clock (hypothalamus) play a role.
Which medicines are used for cluster headache?
galcanezumab, pizotifen, sumatriptan
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