What it is
They are more common in men and in smokers. Alcohol often sets off an attack during a cluster.
Ordinary painkillers do not work. Attacks are treated with high-flow oxygen or triptan injections or nasal sprays, and preventive medicines can be taken during a cluster.
Common signs
- Sudden, severe, burning or stabbing pain on one side of the head, often around the eye
- Attacks lasting 15 minutes to 3 hours
- A red, watering eye and a blocked or runny nostril on the same side
- Restlessness during an attack
How it is usually diagnosed
- Diagnosed from the pattern of attacks
- An MRI scan to rule out other causes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- A headache diary with dates, times and length of attacks
- Neurology letters
- Your treatment plan, including oxygen prescription
Questions to ask your doctor
- Can I have oxygen at home for attacks?
- Which preventive treatment should I take during a cluster?
- What should I avoid during a cluster?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A sudden, extremely severe headache unlike any before, or a headache with weakness, confusion or a stiff neck: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.