What should you know about cluster headache prevention?

Cluster headache occurs in bouts, with attacks often returning in a recognisable pattern. Preventive treatment is taken or used during a bout to reduce further attacks; it is different from medicine intended to stop one attack after it begins. A clinician may also review sleep, alcohol exposure, medicines, and other features that seem to coincide with attacks. Keeping a diary of time, duration, side, eye or nose symptoms, and possible triggers can make the consultation more useful.

Arrange a GP Consultation to confirm the pattern and discuss a prevention plan suited to your health history. Do not start, stop, or alter prescription treatment without guidance. Record each attack soon after it happens, including whether it woke you, what you tried, and how quickly it changed. During an active bout, avoid alcohol if it appears to trigger attacks and keep your routine as steady as possible. A Headache diary can help separate a repeated cluster pattern from other headache types.

Seek urgent medical help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness or numbness, confusion, fainting, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or a painful red eye with vision loss. Get prompt assessment for a first severe headache, a major change in your established pattern, or an attack that is not settling as expected. Facial Pain and Pressure with eye or nasal changes also deserves clinical review when the cause is unclear.

Could this pattern be cluster headache or another headache disorder? Which preventive option fits my medical history? How should I track attacks and side effects? What should I do if an attack breaks through the plan?