Cluster headache (CH) is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, severe headaches on one side of the head, typically around the eye. There are often accompanying autonomic symptoms during the headache such as eye watering, nasal congestion and swelling around the eye, typically confined to the side of the head with the pain.
- Excruciating pain, generally located in or around one eye, but may radiate to other areas of your face, head, neck and shoulders
- One-sided pain
- Restlessness
- Excessive tearing
- Redness in your eye on the affected side
- Stuffy or runny nasal passage in your nostril on the affected side of your face
- Sweaty, pale skin (pallor) on your face
- Swelling around your eye on the affected side of your face
- Drooping eyelid
Neurological examination
Imaging tests
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
There's no cure for cluster headaches. The goal of treatment is to decrease the severity of pain, shorten the headache period and prevent the attacks.
Acute treatments
- Oxygen
- Triptans.
- Octreotide
- Local anesthetics
- Dihydroergotamine
Preventive treatments
- Calcium channel blockers
- Corticosteroids
- Lithium carbonate
- Nerve block
- Ergots
- Melatonin
- Anti-seizure medications such as divalproex and topiramate
Surgery
Please consult surgeon for surgical treatment solution.
