Cluster Headaches

Please read the description below and let us know if you have any suggestions for someone that:

“suffers from a condition called cluster headaches. Every few months he will get the most painfull headaches which are similar to migranes but worse. He sometime feels nauseous during the week long spell (thats how long it usually lasts).”

Anyone here have similar symptoms? Heard of someone that suffers from a similar condition?

What helps?

I used to know a guy who sufferred from it. I think it’s important to keep one’s usual routine, since a change in sleep patterns can bring on the headaches. Also remain calm since stress can also bring on the headaches.

are these headaches bought on by stress? Don't suffer from cluster headaches myself but they don't sound very pleasant.....especially if they are worse than migraines.

though i'm not sure if its cluster headache or what ....but my husband suffers from the headache worse than mine (mine is migrane)

it usually lasts at least 3 days n sometimes even a week long
when pain is at peak he won't allow anyone to even touch him
he explains it like the pain feels like your running pulse .....

though it starts like tension headache ....i mean starts in the area where your head n neck are joined ...n then spreads in whole head

i'm trying to figure out the actual cause since we married .....n so far i have concluded ...it usually starts if he doesn't eat on regular times ....or drinks lesser ....like we r travelling n don't stop to eat on usual time ....or just eat junk n no proper food ....or he eats rice at 3 or more times in a row ......usually it is then followed by constipation too

obviously its not a professional diagnosis....but so far doctors always suggested him to take isprine / iboprufin etc. without actually making a proper diagnosis

he used to suffer every 2-3 months ....but when i concluded above and tried to avoid those cases ....Alhamdulillah .....it happens rarely like once in 6 months or so....when he is away n things aren't in my control :)

but when it happens drinking plenty of water/juices/warm milk helps a bit ....i avoid to give him meat ..... ...infact i try to give him very light food ......n off course pray a lot ...n it does help :)

I get severe headaches accompanied with nausea, it’s not so frequent but when it happens I feel immobile and unable to do much. Like Afia, I’ve tried to figure out when it happens and what could be causing it and it’s usually when I don’t eat for too long or don’t eat right. Stress is also another major factor. I usually just swallow a couple of aspirins and lay face down in my pillow until it goes away. Sometimes it lasts a day sometimes a couple of hours. I keep something sweet on me all the time, I find drinking lots of fluids also helps.

But that’s my version, and I know it’s not cluster headaches.
I googled and found these links, maybe they’ll be useful.

http://familydoctor.org/handouts/035.html

Thanks folks....keep the advice coming......

well my dad has the same problem as hayaa and if he doesnt eat even an hour or 2 later than he should then he gets headache... so if my parents go somewhere that may take longer than it should then well my ami always brings something to eat.

i kwno this is wiered but my mum says that lack of salt sometimes can cause headaches. :p

when i get a headahce i go to sleep. i find that eatign an appel helps LOL probably not eating right :p

Muz, if you find any info on preventing it or what type of medication to take, let me know. I, unfortunately, suffer from this, myself. The headaches last for weeks sometimes. Just unbearable. :-\

From recent experience I would have to suggest that people look into homeopathic treatment. These days I have been trying these remedies and so far, alhamdolillah, they have been successful for me, hubby and for baby.

Cluster Headache

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Cluster headaches cause pain on one side of the head, behind or around one eye. The pain usually starts near one eye and shoots up to the top of the head on that side. These headaches frequently occur in ""clusters,'' often starting at the same time each day over a period of time. They may also come and go for several days, weeks, or months. Each headache can last from 15 minutes to 2 hours. Cluster headaches occur most often in the spring and fall. They are more common among men than among women.

Causes
The cause is not known.
Signs/Symptoms
The headaches are typically sudden and severe, and may be accompanied by watery eyes or a runny nose. You may feel sweaty, restless, or nauseated. The headaches often start at night and may wake you up.
Care
There is no cure for cluster headaches, but there are ways to help relieve the pain. Prescription medications are available. Some must be taken in a shot, breathed in by mouth, or put in the rectum to get them into the bloodstream quickly.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

If your doctor has prescribed any medicine, take it exactly as directed. Ask your doctor whether it is safe to drive or operate heavy machinery while you are taking this medication.
An attack may be triggered by:
Smoking or drinking alcohol.
Napping in the daytime.
Breathing in solvents, gasoline, or oil-based paints for long periods of time.
Traveling to high-altitude areas (above 5,000 feet) or in airplanes.
When you have a headache, avoid bright lights, alcohol, and stressful situations that cause you to become angry or excited; they can worsen the pain.
Your doctor can recommend preventive medication to take before airplane travel. Using oxygen during the flight may help relieve a headache.
A cold pack to your head may bring relief.
Supervised exercise often helps prevent cluster headaches. Be sure to talk to your doctor, however, before starting an exercise program.
Biofeedback therapy may help reduce the pain. Ask your doctor about this type of program.

Call Your Doctor If...

You have any problem that may be related to the medicine you are taking.

Seek Care Immediately If...

You have a headache that gets worse or lasts more than 2 hours despite treatment.
You develop a high temperature.
You faint or develop weakness, numbness, double vision, difficulty with talking, or neck pain or stiffness.

Like Muzna, I also recommend homeopathic medicines for headaches/migranes. My mom suffered for many years with migranes and was always on perscribed pain killers- she used to get them every weekend like clockwork and if they were severe, they would run until the middle of the week. Alhamdulilah, after trying out homeopathic medications ( a long process..probably about 2 years worth), she no longer gets migranes as frequently....maybe every 6-8 months. Alhamdulilah.