Neuromuscular Headache Blog - I Hate Headaches

The term "cluster headache" refers to a type of headache in which the sufferer may experience an episode of excruciating headache pain one to three times per day, every day, over a period of time called the "cluster period". While not life-threatening, cluster headaches can absolutely affect quality-of-life. Often referred to as "suicide headaches" because of the severity of the pain, these cluster headache attacks can last anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours.

The actual cluster period itself may last from 2 weeks to 3 months, and predicting when cluster periods will strike is so difficult, because they may disappear completely (go into "remission") for months or even years, before popping up again.

Unlike more common types of headaches, there aren't any known environmental triggers that launch cluster periods. However, several studies have linked the hypothalamus and changes in brain chemistry to cluster headaches, citing the fact that many cluster periods happen based around the body's biological clock or circadian rhythms.

And unlike most other types of headaches, cluster headache symptoms are not restricted to headache pain. Due to the fact that the autonomic nervous system is so deeply involved, cluster headaches are commonly accompanied by droopy eyelids, watery eyes and a runny nose.

If you live in Alabama, Nebraska, California, Illinois, Texas, Utah or Northern Virginia, and would like to meet with one of our headache specialists regarding your headache symptoms, please contact us at I Hate Headaches, today.