The most effective treatment plan for cluster headache uses a multifaceted approach. Treatment plans are also individualized to best address the specific triggers, frequency, and severity of the cluster headache, the patient's age, medical history, and other factors.
Treatment of cluster headache begins with prevention. This includes diagnosing and avoiding the underlying triggers of a cluster headache, such as alcohol, stress, smoking, and changing the normal sleep pattern. Diagnosing and treating potential medical triggers of cluster headaches, such as hormonal changes, diseases of the hypothalamus, or medications, is also key to eliminating or minimizing the symptoms.
Diagnosing triggers involves keeping a cluster headache log or diary to record the timing, symptoms, and the types of situations that occurred or substances that were ingested before the cluster headache occurred. The type of treatment and its results are also recorded to help pinpoint the most effective treatment for an individual.
Treatment may include participation in a smoking cessation program, establishing and maintaining a regular sleep pattern, stress management programs, and reducing the dose or changing prescription medications that may be triggering symptoms. However, it is important not to change or discontinue any medications without first consulting with a licensed medical provider.
Medications commonly used to treat cluster headache include over-the-counter analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen, and aspirin. All of these drugs can cause serious side effects in some people and should be taken only as directed. Possible prescribed medications include corticosteroids, antihypertensive drugs, and ergot derivatives.
Certain medications may be prescribed that are taken as a fast-acting nasal spray, injection, or rectal suppository. Another treatment is inhaling supplemental oxygen through a mask.
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources for Cluster headache includes the following list. Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment or change in treatment plans.
The first step in getting correct treatment is to get a correct diagnosis. Differential diagnosis list for Cluster headache may include:
Hidden causes of Cluster headache may be incorrectly diagnosed:
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Note:You must always seek professional medical advice about any prescription drug, OTC drug, medication, treatment or change in treatment plans.
Some of the different medications used in the treatment of Cluster headache include:
Unlabelled alternative drug treatments for Cluster headache include:
The following are some of the latest treatments for Cluster headache:
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The sudden start and brief duration of cluster headaches can make them difficult to treat; however, research scientists have identified several effective drugs for these headaches. The antimigraine drug sumatriptan can subdue a cluster, if taken at the first sign of an attack. Injections of dihydroergotamine, a form of ergotamine tartrate, are sometimes used to treat clusters. Corticosteroids also can be used, either orally or by intramuscular injection. (Source: excerpt from Headache -- Hope Through Research: NINDS)
Another option that works for some cluster patients is rapid inhalation of pure oxygen through a mask for 5 to 15 minutes. The oxygen seems to ease the pain of cluster headache by reducing blood flow to the brain.
In chronic cases of cluster headache, certain facial nerves may be surgically cut or destroyed to provide relief. These procedures have had limited success. Some cluster patients have had facial nerves cut only to have them
regenerate years later. (Source: excerpt from Headache -- Hope Through Research: NINDS)
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