Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches cause extremely severe pain around one eye in repeated attacks, often at similar times of day.
About cluster headache
Cluster headaches cause extremely severe pain around one eye in repeated attacks, often at similar times of day.
What can cause it?
Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder involving brain timing and trigeminal-autonomic pathways.
Attacks occur in clusters and may be triggered by alcohol during an active period.
What a patient may notice
Symptoms vary from person to person. Possible signs may include:
- Severe one-sided pain around or behind the eye
- Tearing, red eye, stuffy nose, or drooping eyelid on that side
- Restlessness during short repeated attacks
How clinicians find the cause
Diagnosis uses the characteristic severe one-sided pain, short attack duration, repeated timing, and same-side eye or nasal symptoms. Imaging may rule out another cause in new or atypical cases.
Treatment and next steps
- 1
Acute attacks may be treated with high-flow oxygen or prescribed triptan medicine.
- 2
Preventive treatment is started during a cluster period and may require ECG or blood monitoring.
- 3
Standard oral pain relievers are often too slow.
Supporting recovery
- Keep a headache diary and avoid alcohol during an active cluster.
- Use prescribed oxygen and medicine exactly as taught.
What to expect
Cluster attacks typically last 15 minutes to 3 hours and may occur daily for weeks or months before a pain-free period. Many people improve with rapid-acting treatment and preventive medicine, although some develop a chronic pattern. Neurology follow-up helps confirm the diagnosis and adjust treatment as cluster periods change.
Possible complications
- Severe disruption of sleep, work, driving, daily activities, and emotional well-being
- Medication side effects or overuse when a treatment plan is not closely supervised
- Delayed treatment of another dangerous cause when a new or different headache is assumed to be a cluster attack
When to Contact a Medical Professional
A same-day medical evaluation is recommended, especially when symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, weakness, or significant pain.
Call 911 for a sudden worst-ever headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, seizure, fainting, confusion, fever with stiff neck, or headache after major injury.Get emergency help for severe trouble breathing, new chest pressure, fainting, seizure, sudden weakness on one side, uncontrolled bleeding, blue or gray lips, or a person who is difficult to wake.
Ways to lower risk
- Maintain regular sleep and avoid personal triggers during a cluster period.
- Neurology follow-up helps adjust prevention.
Trusted health information
This CHS patient-education page uses original wording and links to MedlinePlus for additional information.