Cluster
Headaches
Definition
of Cluster Headaches
Cluster
headaches affect one side of the head (unilateral) and may
be associated with tearing of the eyes and nasal congestion.
They occur in clusters, happening repeatedly every day at
the same time for several weeks and then remitting.
Who Is Most
Often Affected?
Cluster headaches are a fairly common form of chronic, recurrent
headache. Unlike migraines, they affect men more often than women.
They can affect people of any age but are most common between adolescence
and middle age. There does not seem to be a pattern among families
in the development of cluster headaches.
How Often
Do They Occur?
Cluster headaches occur as a severe, sudden headache. The onset
is sudden, and it occurs most commonly during the dreaming (REM)
phase of sleep. Cluster headaches may occur daily for months, alternating
with periods without headaches (episodic), or they can occur for
a year or more without stopping (chronic). A person may experience
alternating chronic and episodic phases.
Symptoms
- Swelling
under or around the eyes.
- Red eye (on
the affected side).
- Flushed face.
- Excessive
tears (on the affected side).
- Runny nose
or nasal congestion.
- Begins suddenly.
- Pain commonly
begins 2 to 3 hours after falling asleep and is steady, sharp,
or burning. Characteristically occurs on one side of the head
and may occur in and around one eye.
- May involve
one side of the face from neck to temples. Pain quickly gets worse,
peaking within 5 to 10 minutes and peak may last one-half to 2
hours.
Treatment
Chiropractic care works on correcting the underlying causes of headaches
and relieving symptoms associated with cluster headaches.
To see if a
chiropractor may be able to help you call (253) 638-2424 today for
a complimentary consultation.
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