What should you know about cluster headache types?

Both patterns can cause severe pain around one eye or the temple, often with a blocked or runny nose, a drooping eyelid, or restlessness on the same side. Episodic cluster headache follows a recognisable spell, then settles for a period. Chronic cluster headache has attacks separated by shorter or absent remission periods. The label is based on the course of attacks, not on how intense one individual episode feels.

A clinician may ask when attacks began, how often they arrive, how long each lasts, and whether they occur at similar times. A diary can show whether alcohol, sleep changes or other personal triggers appear during an active period.

Arrange a GP assessment if repeated one-sided headaches have not been diagnosed. Bring a record of pain location, start and finish times, eye or nose changes, medicines taken, and any pattern across sleep. During an attack, follow the plan prescribed for you; cluster headache often needs an attack treatment and a separate preventive approach. Avoid changing prescription doses or borrowing another person’s medicine.

Seek emergency help for a sudden, extreme headache, new weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or new vision loss. Urgent assessment is also sensible when a severe headache is new, follows a head injury, or feels different from your established pattern. A GP Consultation can help arrange assessment when attacks keep returning.

Ask whether your pattern fits episodic or chronic cluster headache, what should be used at the first sign of an attack, which preventive options are suitable, and what symptoms should prompt emergency care.