Cluster Headache - Symptom, Treatment and cause of Cluster Headache

DESCRIPTION: Severe, intermittent one-sided headaches that occur in clusters lasting from days to weeks.

CAUSE: Attacks may be triggered by alcohol, stress, exercise, certain foods and glare. More common in middle-aged men.

SYMPTOMS: Severe, one-sided pain around the eye that occurs daily for weeks and then subsides, only to flare again months later. May be quite disabling, and are often accompanied by a congested nostril on the same side as the headache, a watery red eye and weakness on the affected side of the face.

INVESTIGATIONS: No specific diagnostic tests available.

TREATMENT: Once present, these headaches are very difficult to control. Normally a matter of trial and error to determine the most effective regime in any individual. The inhalation of pure oxygen may settle an otherwise intractable attack in a few minutes. Prevention is far better than cure, and medications such as propranolol, ergotamine, lithium and amitriptyline can be used on a regular basis to prevent further attacks. In severe cases prednisone is prescribed.

COMPLICATIONS: None significant.

PROGNOSIS: Prevention is reasonably successful, but treatment is difficult.