Cluster headache Health Article

Definition

A cluster headache is one-sided head pain that may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose. The headaches occur repeatedly every day at the same time for several weeks and then go away.

See also:

• Headache
• Migraine headache
• Tension headache

Alternative Names

Histamine headache; Headache - histamine; Migrainous neuralgia; Headache - cluster

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cluster headaches are a fairly common form of chronic, repeated headaches. They are more common in men than women. The headaches can occur at any age but are most common in adolescence and middle age.

Scientists do not know exactly what causes cluster headaches, but they appear to be related to the body's sudden release of histamine or serotonin. Family history may play a role.

Some people who have cluster headaches are heavy smokers. Alcohol use may trigger attacks. Bright light (glare), stress, or certain foods may trigger an attack.

Symptoms

A cluster headache begins as a severe, sudden headache. The headache most commonly strikes 2 to 3 hours after falling asleep, usually during the dreaming (rapid eye movement, or REM) phase.

The pain occurs on one side of the head. It may be described as:

• Burning
• Sharp
• Steady

The pain may occur in and around one eye. It may:

• Involve one side of the face from neck to temples
• Quickly gets worse, peaking within 5 to 10 minutes

The strongest pain may last 30 minutes to 2 hours.

The eye and nose on the same side of the head pain may also be affected. Symptoms can include:

• Swelling under or around the eye (may affect both eyes)
• Excessive tearing
• Red eye
• Rhinorrhea (runny nose) or one-sided stuffy nose (same side as the head pain)
• Red, flushed face

Cluster headaches may occur daily for months, alternating with periods without headaches (episodic), or they can recur for a year or more without stopping (chronic).