Gamot sa cluster headache: what to know

Cluster headache causes intense pain, often around one eye or one side of the head, with facial pain and pressure. The painful side may also have a watery or red eye, blocked or runny nose, drooping eyelid or marked restlessness. Attacks can arrive in groups over a period, so a diary showing timing, duration, side and associated signs can help diagnosis.

Arrange a GP consultation for a new or repeated pattern of severe one-sided headache. Clinicians may use a fast-acting treatment during an attack and a preventive medicine during a cluster period; the choice depends on your health, examination and other medicines. Take only treatments prescribed or recommended for you, and record what helps. Alcohol can trigger attacks for some people during an active cluster period.

Get emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, a new headache with weakness, numbness, confusion, seizure, fainting, fever or stiff neck, or a headache after a head injury. Urgent assessment is also needed for new visual loss or a painful red eye. A familiar cluster pattern still deserves prompt review if attacks become longer, different or more frequent.

Ask whether the pattern is consistent with cluster headache, which treatment should be used at the first sign, how prevention will be reviewed, and which symptoms mean emergency care. Bring your headache diary and a complete list of medicines.