While cluster headaches are not as common as tension or migraine headaches, they have been described as the most painful of all headaches. Cluster headaches can be difficult to diagnose however there are some distinguishing characteristics.
Excruciating pain is felt near one eye, often times there is tearing and drooping of the eye, nose congestion and flushing of face only on the one affected side. Pain generally is more noticeable at night when trying to sleep and may last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours. These attacks can occur from one per day up to 8 per day. These headaches will occur in patterns or “clusters” hence the name and can occur for weeks up to months at a time followed by a recession period.
Cluster headaches like migraine and tension headaches can be classified as episodic or chronic depending on the frequency of attacks. If a patient has experienced cluster headaches for over 1 year and has a recession period less than one month between bouts they would likely be diagnosed with chronic cluster headaches.
Due to the severity of cluster headaches those who experience them can be frightened that a serious medical condition might be the cause of such pain. Fortunately cluster headaches like the far majority of all headaches are benign and are not life threatening. As a general rule the following symptoms would likely indicate a serious medical condition is responsible.
SUDDEN numbness or weakness of face, arm or leg – especially on one side of the body.
SUDDEN confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
SUDDEN trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
SUDDEN trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
SUDDEN onset of SEVERE headache that is the worst headache ever experienced.
Any of these symptoms would warrant an immediate trip to the nearest ER.
At the Migraine Relief Chiropractic Center we utilize Palmer Specific Chiropractic adjustments which can help make cluster headache attacks shorter and less severe and our preventive approachcan help reduce the number of cluster headaches. If you think you are suffering from cluster headaches and want to determine what the diagnosis is, call today to schedule an appointment for a headache analysis.
6885 W 151st St. Overland Park, KS 66223
Emergency Migraine Walk-In Relief: 877.948.9998
Preventive Care Clinic: 913.953.7411
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