What should you know about the main cause of cluster headaches?

Cluster headache attacks often occur in groups, with pain on one side around the eye or temple and symptoms such as a watery eye, blocked or runny nose, or facial sweating on that side. The pattern may relate to the hypothalamus, a brain region involved in sleep and circadian rhythms. Alcohol can trigger an attack during an active cluster period for some people, while other triggers vary. A Headache diary can help show timing, sleep patterns, and possible triggers, but it cannot prove the cause.

Book a GP Consultation for new, repeated, or severe one-sided headaches. Record when each attack starts, how long it lasts, which side hurts, eye or nose symptoms, sleep disruption, and anything taken for relief. A clinician may distinguish cluster headache from migraine, sinus problems, or another cause and discuss fast-acting treatment and prevention. Avoid alcohol if it has triggered attacks before, particularly during a cluster period.

Seek emergency help for a sudden explosive headache, a new headache after a head injury, or pain with weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, fever and stiff neck, vision loss, or trouble speaking. Urgent assessment is also appropriate for a painful red eye with reduced vision. A familiar cluster pattern still needs medical review when it is new or changing.

Do my symptoms fit cluster headache? What should I use during an attack? Which triggers should I record? Do I need a neurological assessment or further tests? What plan can reduce attacks during a cluster period?