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Cluster headache
What is a cluster headache? While many may be familiar with migraine headaches, and even tension headaches, most are not aware of cluster headaches. A cluster headache, affects one side of your head. In most cases. These headaches may involve tearing and stuffy noses. Generally speaking, these headaches start at the same time for at least several weeks repeatedly. Then just as they suddenly appeared, they go away.
They are a common form of chronic and recurrent headache. In the case of cluster headache, and in our predominately more affected than women. The normal age group, affected is usually between adolescence and around middle age. There is no familial tendency noted for this disorder.
Most notably, this type of headache has a sudden and severe onset. What is interesting is that this headache most often happens while you are sleeping. The portion of your sleep pattern that this occurs in is called REM or rapid eye movement, which happens while you're dreaming.
What are some of the symptoms of cluster headache? Excessive tearing on the affected side, is one sign. Edema or swelling under the eyes is another. This usually involves only one eye on the affected side. As mentioned above, a runny nose, or rhinorrhea can occur. Sometimes, you may even have a flushed face. The main features of the headache are that it has a sudden occurrence. Usually begins around to three hours after sleep. You have a steady sharp pain, which worsens quickly progress to the most severe in around 10 minutes.
During my examination from a physician, what will he be looking for? Unfortunately, there are not a lot of signs neurologically that will show up while you're not experiencing a cluster headache. Horner's syndrome is one of the few neurological signs of cluster headache. This syndrome involves one eyelid drooping or showing a small pupil. Your physician may order a test such as an MRI to rule out any other causes of your cluster headache.
Are there any treatments for this headache? In this disorder, the overall treatment goal is aimed at symptom relief. Some of the things to avoid are certain foods, alcohol intake and smoking as these appear to be triggers. Analgesics are not effective in treating this type of headache as the duration of the headache is just too short. This does not allow medications to start to take effect. 100% pure oxygen has been shown to relieve these symptoms for many people. Ergot medications can help in some cases. Other medication combinations may also provide some relief. These range from antihistamines to lithium carbonate. Corticosteroids have been used but only provide short-term relief. They are not for long-term use.
As you can see they're really not a lot of options available medication wise that are really attractive. So again, prevention becomes key in lessening the onset and occurrence of cluster headache. Following your doctors prescribed regimen for the prevention of your headaches is paramount. So while you may be tempted to have that food that is a known trigger for your cluster headache, you must exercise restraint. The same also goes for alcohol intake. Otherwise, you are creating more instances of these headaches.
Are there any symptoms that may be life-threatening, that I should look out for ? Yes, there are. Extreme drowsiness, changes in your ability to move, changes in sensation levels, nausea and vomiting, seizures, changes in vision, or alertness, warrant 911 emergency care.
While many cluster headaches are not life-threatening in and of themselves, you can clearly see that is important not to ignore this type of disorder. Your physician must always be aware of your symptoms. This highlights why just reaching for your favorite OTC medication may prove deadly, in the absence of your physicians care. Cluster headache must be diagnosed and managed by your physician for the most appropriate level of care and positive outcomes of treatment.
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What is a cluster headache? While many may be familiar with migraine headaches, and even tension headaches, most are not aware of cluster headaches. A cluster headache, affects one side of your head. In most cases. These headaches may involve tearing and stuffy noses. Generally speaking, these headaches start at the same time for at least several weeks repeatedly. Then just as they suddenly appeared, they go away.
They are a common form of chronic and recurrent headache. In the case of cluster headache, and in our predominately more affected than women. The normal age group, affected is usually between adolescence and around middle age. There is no familial tendency noted for this disorder.
Most notably, this type of headache has a sudden and severe onset. What is interesting is that this headache most often happens while you are sleeping. The portion of your sleep pattern that this occurs in is called REM or rapid eye movement, which happens while you're dreaming.
What are some of the symptoms of cluster headache? Excessive tearing on the affected side, is one sign. Edema or swelling under the eyes is another. This usually involves only one eye on the affected side. As mentioned above, a runny nose, or rhinorrhea can occur. Sometimes, you may even have a flushed face. The main features of the headache are that it has a sudden occurrence. Usually begins around to three hours after sleep. You have a steady sharp pain, which worsens quickly progress to the most severe in around 10 minutes.
During my examination from a physician, what will he be looking for? Unfortunately, there are not a lot of signs neurologically that will show up while you're not experiencing a cluster headache. Horner's syndrome is one of the few neurological signs of cluster headache. This syndrome involves one eyelid drooping or showing a small pupil. Your physician may order a test such as an MRI to rule out any other causes of your cluster headache.
Are there any treatments for this headache? In this disorder, the overall treatment goal is aimed at symptom relief. Some of the things to avoid are certain foods, alcohol intake and smoking as these appear to be triggers. Analgesics are not effective in treating this type of headache as the duration of the headache is just too short. This does not allow medications to start to take effect. 100% pure oxygen has been shown to relieve these symptoms for many people. Ergot medications can help in some cases. Other medication combinations may also provide some relief. These range from antihistamines to lithium carbonate. Corticosteroids have been used but only provide short-term relief. They are not for long-term use.
As you can see they're really not a lot of options available medication wise that are really attractive. So again, prevention becomes key in lessening the onset and occurrence of cluster headache. Following your doctors prescribed regimen for the prevention of your headaches is paramount. So while you may be tempted to have that food that is a known trigger for your cluster headache, you must exercise restraint. The same also goes for alcohol intake. Otherwise, you are creating more instances of these headaches.
Are there any symptoms that may be life-threatening, that I should look out for ? Yes, there are. Extreme drowsiness, changes in your ability to move, changes in sensation levels, nausea and vomiting, seizures, changes in vision, or alertness, warrant 911 emergency care.
While many cluster headaches are not life-threatening in and of themselves, you can clearly see that is important not to ignore this type of disorder. Your physician must always be aware of your symptoms. This highlights why just reaching for your favorite OTC medication may prove deadly, in the absence of your physicians care. Cluster headache must be diagnosed and managed by your physician for the most appropriate level of care and positive outcomes of treatment.
Recent News on eating disorders
Media Advisory: Health and Fitness Fair to Be Held at LA/Ontario ... - MarketWatch
Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:00:20 GMT
Media Advisory: Health and Fitness Fair to Be Held at LA/Ontario ... MarketWatch - The interactive expo will feature exhibits to promote good health and public safety, free food samples, door prizes, free informational materials from local ... |
articles about erectile dysfunction
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