Why does cluster headache cause facial pain and pressure?

An attack commonly centres on one side, particularly around or behind an eye, and may spread across the temple, cheek, jaw, or forehead. The nerves involved also influence automatic functions on the same side of the face. This can cause a watery or red eye, a blocked or runny nostril, eyelid swelling, or sweating, which can make the sensation resemble sinus pressure.

Facial Pain and Pressure is a common presentation of Cluster Headache. However, facial discomfort can also arise from dental, sinus, eye, nerve, and other headache conditions, so the pattern and associated symptoms matter.

Arrange a medical appointment for new, severe, or repeated one-sided attacks. Describe where the pain starts, how it behaves, associated eye or nose changes, and whether attacks occur in clusters over a period of time. A clinician can check for other causes and discuss treatments intended for acute attacks and prevention.

Keep a simple attack record, including the side of the pain, start and finish time, triggers you suspect, and any medicines used. Do not drive or operate equipment if pain or prescribed treatment affects concentration.

Seek urgent medical care for a sudden, explosive headache; new weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, fainting, confusion, seizure, fever with a stiff neck, or a severe headache after injury. Urgent eye assessment is also needed for vision loss, a painful red eye, or a noticeably abnormal pupil.

Does my attack pattern fit cluster headache or another condition? Do my eye and nasal symptoms need examination? Which treatment should I use at the start of an attack, and what symptoms mean I should seek emergency care?