Chronic Cluster Headaches

Chronic Cluster Headaches and Cluster Migraines Information.

Chronic cluster headaches are considered one of the most painful headaches. They manifest themselves as short incidents of unexpected and severe pain around an eye. These headaches occur in bunches and that is why the term “cluster” is used. Chronic cluster headaches are cluster headaches that go on for at least a year. There may be no periods of relief in that year, or if they do come, the last for less than two weeks. Unfortunately chronic cluster headaches are difficult to treat and the drugs normally used for cluster headaches often don’t work.

There really is no known cause for cluster headaches and chronic cluster headaches, but there are a number of theories. Most doctors think they are caused by several different abnormalities in the blood vessels and nerves, and chemicals in the brain, head and face that interact with one another to cause the headaches.

Cluster headaches strike suddenly and with no signs that they are coming. The pain is considered to be devastating and usually focused on one side of the head only, around an eye. The pain is continuous and piercing, often described by sufferers as feeling like an ice pick or hot poker has been stuck in the eye. The pain can spread to the forehead or the neck and shoulders, and even the teeth.

Cluster headaches are thought to have “cluster periods”. A cluster period can last from one week to three months. In the case of chronic cluster headaches, cluster periods can last for a year or more with pain free periods of only 2 to 4 weeks. Headaches normally occur every day during a cluster period and last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. These attacks may actually happen at the same time every day and normally occur between 9:00am and 9:00pm.

Chronic cluster headaches can be treated in two ways. The first is with abortive drugs that are designed to reduce the pain of a cluster attack. The other option is to use preventative medication that is designed to reduce the regularity and severity of headache bouts.

Author: M. Cardin, Cluster Migraines Information & Reviews