|  | Conditions Treatments | Headaches

Cluster Headaches & Oxygen Therapy

According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the most painful kinds of headaches is called a cluster headache. Its name is derived from the pattern in which they strike, usually in groups over a short period, before they go away for an extended period. The pain associated with a cluster headache is usually centered on the eye region and it can be a burning sensation. Several possible treatments can help with the onset of cluster headaches and limit the pain.

  1. Cluster Headache Symptoms and Time Frame

    • The symptoms associated with cluster headaches include teary and red eyes, in the area where the pain is the most severe. In addition, your face may swell and your eyelid could be droopy. At times during the headache, you may sweat, too. With each person, the amount of time a cluster attack lasts for varies, but typically it is 15 minutes to 3 hours, with the highest probability of an attack between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m., says the Mayo Clinic. The short period that the headaches occur usually falls between 1 week and 12 weeks, with several months going by without any symptoms. It is important to visit a doctor if you experience these types of symptoms during the onset of a headache. She should be able to tell you whether you suffer from cluster headaches or some other condition. If it is cluster headaches, a course of treatment should be prescribed to reduce the pain and ward off the symptoms as much as possible, says the National Science Foundation.

    Oxygen Therapy Information

    • One of the main treatments recommended for many sufferers of cluster headaches is oxygen therapy. Oxygen therapy consists of a person breathing several L of 100 percent oxygen for several minutes, says Science Daily. The result is usually the pain that accompanies a cluster headache subsides after about 15 minutes. It can be difficult to get to an oxygen tank, when the pain strikes. Many people keep tanks at home and make small portable ones for use away from home. Occasionally, the oxygen therapy will only relieve the pain, and it can return, but research shows that it can help many people. According to National Headache Foundation, 50 percent of all people respond positively to oxygen therapy. When using the product, close the oxygen tank after use, especially if you are a smoker because it could cause an explosion.

Headaches - Related Articles