Cluster headaches

Cluster headaches are a very rare, and very painful form of headache. Typically occurring in middle aged men, this type of headache is described to occur on one side of the face and usually causes tearing of the eye on the same side, runny nose, and excruciating pain. These can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours and occur at roughly the same time on a regular basis. There may be periods of months or years that the patient doesn't have any symptoms, but then they reoccur on a daily or semi-daily basis. Sometimes, a food or activity can trigger these headaches, but usually occur during the night, shortly after going to bed.

Treatment for these headaches can be as simple as identifying the trigger and stopping the behavior, but usually consists of trying various medications to eliminate them. Every patient is different and different medications may or may not work. Most patients also rely on oxygen tanks for the onset of the headache because this seems to decrease intensity and length.

.