Where cluster headache pain is felt

The pain often sits behind, above or beside one eye, with the temple and forehead involved. It may extend into the cheek, nose, jaw or back of the head on that same side. A watery or red eye, drooping or swollen eyelid, or a blocked or runny nostril can accompany the pain. People often feel unable to sit still during an attack.

Location is useful but is not enough by itself to diagnose cluster headache. Migraine, dental problems, sinus disease, eye conditions and other headache disorders can cause pain in overlapping areas. A clinician will ask about attack timing, duration, recurrence and associated symptoms.

Write down exactly where the pain begins and whether it stays on one side. Note the start and end of each attack, what happens to the eye and nose, and whether movement makes you restless. Bring a list of medicines and supplements. A GP consultation can help decide whether the pattern needs specialist assessment and which acute or preventive options are appropriate.

Get urgent help for a headache that reaches maximum intensity suddenly, follows a head injury, or occurs with weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, fever and stiff neck. Seek prompt eye assessment for severe eye pain with vision change. Arrange a medical review for any first severe headache, a new location, a change in your established pattern, or attacks that are becoming more frequent.

Does my pain map and attack pattern suggest cluster headache? What other causes should be checked? Would an eye, neurological or dental assessment be useful? Which symptoms mean I should go to urgent care?