Immediate relief for cluster headaches

A cluster headache is often severe, one-sided pain around or behind an eye, sometimes with a blocked or runny nose, watery eye, eyelid swelling, or restlessness on the same side. Attacks can come in repeated bouts. A new severe headache should not be labelled a cluster headache without an assessment because several urgent conditions can resemble it.

Contact a GP or urgent service promptly for a personalised plan. Commonly prescribed rapid treatments may include high-flow oxygen or a specific migraine-type medicine; these require suitability checks and correct instructions. Keep a record of the start time, duration, side, eye or nose symptoms, possible triggers, and medicines used. Avoid driving if pain or treatment affects alertness.

Seek emergency help for a sudden thunderclap headache, new weakness, confusion, seizure, fainting, fever with a stiff neck, vision loss, or severe eye pain. Obtain prompt assessment for a first severe attack, a major change in your usual pattern, or headache after a head injury.

Ask how the diagnosis will be confirmed, which treatment should be used at the first sign of an attack, and whether prevention is needed during a bout. Bring your headache record and mention heart or blood-vessel problems, pregnancy, allergies, and every medicine or supplement you take.