What should you know about right eye cluster headache?

Cluster headache is a neurological headache disorder with intense pain around or behind one eye. During an attack, the eye on that side may water or redden, the eyelid may droop, or the nose may feel blocked or run. People often feel restless rather than wanting to lie still. Attacks can arrive in groups over a period of days or weeks, with a similar timing or trigger pattern for an individual. The pain can switch sides in some people, so the right-sided location does not prove the diagnosis. Other causes of facial pain and pressure can resemble it.

Arrange a GP consultation for a new pattern, repeated attacks or pain focused around one eye. Keep a diary of start time, duration, side, eye and nose changes, sleep disruption and possible triggers. Sit somewhere safe, avoid driving during severe pain, and use only medicines recommended for you. Cluster attacks may need treatments that work quickly, so ordinary painkillers may not be enough.

Seek emergency care for sudden severe headache, new weakness or numbness, confusion, fainting, fever with a stiff neck, a painful red eye with vision loss, or a headache after a head injury. Get urgent assessment for a first severe attack or a clear change from your usual pattern.

Ask whether the timing and eye signs fit cluster headache, whether an examination or scan is needed, which rapid treatment is suitable, and how to plan care if attacks recur.