Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Cluster Headache – Symptoms, Causes & Treatments

Cluster headache is an extremely painful but rare type of headache that affects a small part of the population. It is often characterized by episodes of severe attacks in up to 30 minutes. Therefore, getting a precise diagnosis and proper treatment options are very important. Since the exact mechanism of this condition is still partly unknown, there is no singular treatment. You have to combine different options to get the best results. In this guide, we’ll show you some basic information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for cluster headache.

4 Symptoms of Cluster Headache

Excruciating Pain

The most typical sign of a cluster headache is the severe and excruciating pain on one side of your head. Many people often find it extremely throbbing, piercing, burning, and so painful that they call it “a suicide headache.” The most common affected area is around or behind one eye. The sensation can even spread to other areas, such as upper gum, cheek, nose, temple, or forehead. Cluster headaches often reach the full force very quickly, just after five to ten minutes. The duration is also short, which typically ranges from 30 to 60 minutes. You would experience 1 to 3 attacks during the day. [1]