Cluster headaches are a type of excruciatingly painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns or clusters. They are considered one of the most severe forms of headaches and typically affect one side of the head, often around the eye.
Symptoms: Cluster headaches are characterized by intense, burning or piercing pain that can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. The pain is usually accompanied by symptoms such as redness and tearing of the eye, nasal congestion or runny nose, sweating, and restlessness.
Causes: The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but certain factors like abnormalities in the hypothalamus, genetics, and imbalances in brain chemicals may contribute to their development.
Treatment: While there is no cure for cluster headaches, various treatments can help alleviate the pain and reduce the frequency of attacks. These may include medications to relieve acute pain, preventive medications, oxygen therapy, and nerve stimulation techniques.
If you experience severe headaches with the aforementioned symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.