How effective is GP consultation for cluster headache?

Cluster headache often causes very severe pain around one eye, with tearing, a blocked or runny nostril, eyelid changes or restlessness on the same side. Your GP will ask about attack timing, duration, frequency, triggers and symptom-free periods, then examine you and consider other causes of severe headache.

Because treatment is different from routine painkillers, an accurate description helps the GP choose an appropriate immediate plan and decide whether neurology input or urgent assessment is needed. Keeping a headache diary can make the pattern easier to recognise.

Record when each attack starts, how long it lasts, which side is affected, eye or nose symptoms, restlessness, possible triggers and anything you have taken. Bring details of previous headaches, medical conditions and medicines.

Follow the agreed treatment instructions and seek review if attacks change pattern, become more frequent, or do not respond as expected. Do not drive if pain or treatment makes you unsafe to do so.

Seek emergency help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, fever with neck stiffness, or a painful red eye with vision loss. Urgent assessment is also needed for a new headache after a significant injury or during pregnancy.

Ask whether your symptoms fit cluster headache, what to do during an attack, how to keep a useful diary, which changes need urgent help, and whether a specialist referral is appropriate.