Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are rare, very painful, headaches that can occur several times a day for several weeks at a time, followed by periods of remission. Cluster headaches occur more often in men than in women, and have no known cause or cure. 

The physicians and providers at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s headache center are specially trained in the treatment of cluster headaches. Our highly-qualified team is focused on the thorough, effective care of this condition, helping our patients live a more comfortable, active, healthier life.

What are Cluster Headaches?

Cluster headaches are marked by severe pain behind and around one eye, and can come several times a day for up to 12 weeks at a time. They tend to come on suddenly and last from a few minutes to several hours.

Common symptoms of cluster headaches include:

  • Drooping eyelid
  • Excessive tearing
  • Excruciating pain, usually situated in or around one eye 
  • One-sided pain
  • Pale skin
  • Redness and/or swelling in affected eye
  • Restlessness
  • Stuffy or runny nose on the affected side
  • Sweating

Diagnosing Cluster Headaches

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and may order certain tests to diagnose cluster headaches. Your doctor may also ask about when the headaches occur, what the pain is like and what you usually do to relieve the symptoms.

Testing for cluster headaches includes imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography(CT) scans.

Treatment for Cluster Headaches

The providers at the Clinical Neuroscience Institute’s Headache Center know that cluster headaches can disrupt your daily routine. Our specialists and staff are committed to finding treatment options for your condition that are specialized to fit your individual need to relieve your symptoms and get you back to a comfortable quality of life.

We offer outpatient infusion therapy for patients who require more intensive treatment. Your therapy is performed in our office, so you may return to the comfort of your home when your therapy is complete.

Other preventative measures and treatments include:

  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Corticosteroids
  • Local anesthetics
  • Nerve block
  • Oxygen
  • Triptans