Cluster headache instant relief: what to know

Cluster attacks can build rapidly and cause severe pain around one eye, tearing, nasal congestion, or restlessness. Treatment chosen for an attack needs to work quickly and suit your health history. A clinician may discuss an inhaled oxygen plan or a fast-acting medicine, but these are not appropriate for everyone and should not be borrowed or improvised. A new severe headache can also be migraine, an eye disorder, or another urgent problem, so diagnosis comes before repeated self-treatment.

Arrange a GP consultation and explain how quickly the pain starts, how long it lasts, and how often it returns. Keep prescribed treatment accessible and learn exactly when and how to use it. Record triggers, eye and nasal signs, medicines, and response. During an attack, sit somewhere safe, avoid driving, and ask someone to stay nearby if you feel unwell. Do not exceed label directions or use someone else’s medicine.

Seek emergency help for a first or thunderclap headache, new weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, trouble speaking, vision loss, fever with a stiff neck, or a painful red eye with vomiting. Get urgent review if prescribed treatment fails repeatedly, symptoms change, or pain continues beyond the expected attack pattern. See [Headache](/symptoms/headache/) and [Facial Pain and Pressure](/symptoms/facial-pain-and-pressure/) for related symptom information.

Which treatment is suitable for an attack? How quickly should it work? What should I do if it does not help? Do I need preventive treatment? Are there health conditions or medicines that change my options?