How to Recognize the Symptoms of a Cluster Headache

A cluster headache is often identified as the most painful headache known to man. Some migraine sufferers might take exception to that claim. However, it should be noted that people have actually committed suicide because of the intensity of cluster headache pain. A cluster headache often comes in a series over an extended period of time. It can last for days, weeks or even months. Unlike a migraine, however, which can occur behind both eyes and around the entire head, a cluster headache is usually centered behind one eye or on one side of the head. It begins quickly and can reach maximum intensity before the sufferer even realizes what is happening. While this type of headache is rare, it is important to know the symptoms of the condition.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify facial swelling. While such symptoms could be the sign of something else, cluster headache sufferers often have swelling around the eyes and nose as well. It can be one of the earliest symptoms that a headache is about to begin. Swelling can expand to the nasal area causing a runny or stopped up nose. People who don’t have a cold or routine allergy often find this to be an early symptom of cluster headache. Some sufferers may even find it quite difficult to breathe. If that occurs, a physician should be called for assistance.

• 2

  Look for unusual redness. Both eyes or just the one on the side where the pain is localized may be red and might tear up easily. The skin on the face may also appear flushed. If fever isn't involved, this could be an early indication that headache is about to begin.

• 3

  Report uncontrolled cold sweats. Parts or the entire body may perspire profusely. Most often these are limited to the head area but that isn’t always the case, especially if fever is involved in the equation.

• 4

  Report strong, steady, boring, sharp and even burning pain that takes hold within seconds and last for minutes or even hours. Identify which side of the head is most painful. With a cluster headache, pain is usually localized on one side even though swelling and other symptoms can spill over onto the other side. This information will be key to helping a doctor make a proper diagnosis.

• 5

  Expect multiple headaches. Cluster headaches can pop up within hours of one another and can run in cycles over weeks or months. A long stretch of time could, however, happen between cycles.

• 6

  Stop smoking. Many cluster headache sufferers are long-term smokers.