Cluster Headaches Background

Cluster headaches are often located on one side of the head, although the sufferer may feel a slight pain throughout thee whole head. The severe pain is generally located at, or near one eye and can go down as far as the neck.  The pain is usually sudden and has been found to occur most frequently during the rapid eye movement phase of sleep.  There is no cure for cluster headaches, but doctors have found some effective treatments for cluster headaches.

Cluster Headache Symptoms

Each individual that suffers from cluster headaches may report different symptoms and a differing severity of those symptoms. In fact, no two cluster headaches are alike. Some of the most common symptoms of cluster headaches, include nausea, vomiting, teary eyes and runny nose. For some sufferers, cluster headaches are also accompanied by an aura, or a physical sensation which is altered by the headache. For instance, an aura may include exaggerated sound and light, as well as numbness in the hands and feet.

Cluster Headache Treatment

There is no cure for cluster headaches, but there are some effective treatments. One of the most commonly prescribed medications for cluster headaches, is pain medication. Unfortunately, pain medications are also one of the least effective treatments of cluster headaches, as they take too long to work. Generally, the most effective treatment of cluster headaches is a combination of steroids, anti depressants and mood stabilizers.