How long does a GP consultation take to work for cluster headache?

Tell the GP about one-sided severe pain, the location around the eye, attack duration, repeated timing, and symptoms such as a watery eye, blocked nose or restlessness. These details help distinguish the pattern from other headaches. The GP may examine you, review medicines and arrange urgent specialist input or a treatment plan rather than waiting for the consultation to change the pain.

Keep a headache diary with start and stop times, side of pain, associated eye or nose symptoms, triggers and medicines taken. Bring a medicine list and explain whether attacks wake you or arrive in a repeated bout. Follow the prescribed plan carefully, and ask what to do during an attack and between attacks.

Seek emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, new weakness, trouble speaking, confusion, fainting, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or a painful red eye with vision change. Get prompt medical advice for a new severe headache, a major change in your usual pattern, or attacks that are becoming more frequent or difficult to manage.

Ask whether the pattern fits cluster headache, which treatments are for an attack or prevention, how quickly to seek help during a bout, and whether specialist review is needed. Ask which symptoms would mean the diagnosis should be reconsidered.