How cluster headaches are treated

Cluster headache is a neurological condition that can cause severe pain on one side, often around or behind one eye. The painful side may have a watery or red eye, a blocked or runny nostril, eyelid drooping or facial sweating. Attacks can arrive in a pattern over a period, sometimes at similar times of day, with restlessness rather than a wish to lie still. A headache pattern can resemble other disorders, so diagnosis requires a clinician’s assessment.

Contact a GP for a clear diagnosis and an attack plan. Prescribed oxygen equipment or a suitable fast-acting medicine may be used at the start of an attack; use these exactly as directed. Preventive treatment may be considered when attacks recur in a cluster. Keep a record of start time, duration, side, associated eye or nose changes, possible alcohol triggers and medicines used. Avoid alcohol during an active cluster if it appears to trigger attacks.

Get urgent help for a sudden thunderclap headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or a painful red eye with vision change. Seek prompt review when this is your first severe attack, the pattern changes, or prescribed treatment is not working. Facial pain and pressure or a headache with new neurological symptoms also deserves assessment.

Ask how the diagnosis will be checked, which treatment belongs at the first sign of an attack, whether prevention is suitable, what oxygen safety rules apply, and when to attend urgent care.