Health Topics for Headaches

Department of Neurology

Headaches: cluster

Cluster headaches usually cause sudden extreme pain only on one side of the head and often around or behind one eye. Cluster headaches often occur at the same time of day, often at night, and last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours. They may recur several times a day for weeks or months, then disappear for months or years. Related problems that occur with the headache include a stuffy or runny nose, the shedding of tears, and redness of the painful eye.

We do not know what causes cluster headaches. They happen in men more often than women, and in middle-aged persons more than young or old people. They do not seem to run in families like some other types of headaches.

Cluster headaches may be triggered by:

• alcohol
• cigarettes
• stress
• bright or glaring lights
• certain foods or
• lack of sleep

It might help to avoid these things if you have been having frequent headaches. Over-the-counter medicines may be used to relieve the pain, however, carefully review the label directions and precautions for other health considerations before taking these medications. Contact your physician before taking any pain relievers if you have high blood pressure. Taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen usually does not help because the headache often goes away before the pill starts working.

One hundred percent oxygen by mask may relieve the pain within 5 minutes for many individuals. If that does not help, injections may be ordered by a healthcare provider for acute attacks. Other prescribed drugs may help prevent or treat cluster headaches.

Cluster headaches are so severe that individuals may threaten suicide. Any suicide threat should be taken seriously. If there is any suicide threat, call the healthcare provider immediately. For pain in or around an eye that does not go away, see your provider to make sure that there is not a problem with the eye, such as glaucoma.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available.The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File HEAD4631.RF2 VRS# 4631 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.