What should you know about cluster headaches last how long?

It helps to separate an individual attack from a cluster period. An attack may bring intense one-sided pain around the eye or temple, with tearing, nasal blockage or discharge, eyelid changes, or restlessness. Attacks can recur during an active period, sometimes with a recognisable daily rhythm. The length and frequency differ between people, and pain that lasts continuously, steadily changes, or does not fit this pattern may have another cause. A diary gives a clearer picture than trying to remember episodes later.

Write down the exact start and end time, side of pain, eye and nose symptoms, sleep, possible triggers, and medicines used. Arrange a GP assessment if attacks are new, recurring, unusually prolonged, or interfering with sleep and daily activities. Do not repeatedly increase pain medicine without advice. Related information is available under [Headache](/symptoms/headache/) and [Facial Pain and Pressure](/symptoms/facial-pain-and-pressure/).

Get urgent help for a sudden severe headache, a first or rapidly worsening pattern, weakness, numbness, speech or vision difficulty, confusion, fainting, seizure, fever with neck stiffness, or a painful red eye with visual change. Seek prompt advice if an attack lasts far longer than your established pattern or symptoms remain between attacks.

Ask whether your attack length and active-period pattern fit cluster headache, what to do at the first sign of an episode, and whether preventive treatment is suitable. Ask which changes in timing should prompt urgent review.