What Are the Warning Signs of Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are usually accompanied by a burning feeling on one side of your head just before. They usually happen fast, so these signs don’t give you enough time to prepare for them.
Diagnosis and Tests
During diagnosis of cluster headache, your healthcare provider will need to thoroughly examine you. A specialist, known as a neurologist or a headache specialist will run tests that help rule out other problems that can cause headaches. You might have to do an imaging test, such as a CT scan or an MRI.
Management and Treatment
There is no permanent cure for cluster headaches. However, there are certain treatment options that can improve their symptoms and make them less painful. Treatment options for cluster headaches include:
- Abortive treatment to stop attacks: In most cases, a headache will stop. However, if you get there on time, your doctor may recommend various effective methods to stop a cluster headache. Your doctor may offer you injected drugs or a nasal spray, such as zolmitriptan, dihydroergotamine, sumatriptan. Your doctor may also give you oxygen through a mask.
- Medications to improve quality of life: Your doctor may prescribe some drugs to reduce headache cycle. These drugs can also reduce the pain of your headaches. Examples of drugs prescribed by your doctor include topiramate, melatonin, divalproex sodium, lithium carbonate, verapamil, or calcium channel blockers. [5]
- Preventive therapies like calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies may also help improve symptoms of cluster headaches.
Other alternative treatment options that also help to relieve pain associated with cluster headaches, include:
- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment method that involves inserting small needles into your skin to reduce pain. [6]
- Spinal manipulation: This is a chiropractic manipulation that helps adjust the alignment of your spine.
- Physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is a treatment option that focuses on stretching, moving joints, and massaging.