sharp head pain
Sharp Head Pain – Is it Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are named for the pattern in which they appear – frequently over the course of hours/days/weeks and then not again for an extended period of time (from weeks, to months to years) – although some people can have daily cluster headaches. Usually the headache strikes at the same time(s) ever day when one is experiencing a period of attacks. The average cluster headache attack can last from a few minutes to a few hours. The pain of the cluster headache is known to be the worst of all headaches – more severe than even migraines.
The pain of a cluster headache is usually single sided and frequently located around the eye area. Unlike a migraine, there are seldom any warning symptoms and usually the pain comes on suddenly all at once. The pain is usually described as having a spike driven into ones head (sharp, burning, and very severe), as opposed to the throbbing pain of a migraine. Cluster headaches are also known for driving the sufferer to move around restlessly or even bang one’s head against the wall. While experiencing an attack you may notice other symptoms on the same side as your pain such as a runny nose, tearing or blood-shot eye, dropping eyelid, or sweating. A cluster headache usually ends as instantly as it begins and seldom do any symptoms linger – other than exhaustion.
The cause of cluster headaches is still unknown but current research indicates that the hypothalamus may be responsible.Why? Interestingly enough the hypothalamus regulates the body’s biological clock. As cluster headaches reoccur with such startling regularity, abnormalities in the hypothalamus are suspected. Other factors that may contribute to developing cluster headaches include hormones (primarily melatonin and cortisol) and neurotransmitters (serotonin, etc.)
Cluster headaches are experienced by men ten times as frequently as women. People who suffer from cluster headaches may also have a tendency to drink or smoke or use nitroglycerin.
If you do not have a past history of cluster headaches,make sure that you visit your doctor to rule other other more serious problems.
Cluster headaches can be especially difficult to treat as the pain is known to come on suddenly without warning. This type of behavior makes relying on over the counter medications impossible as the effects of such medications can take 40 minutes to develop.
The most effective treatment for cluster headaches is believed to be breathing pure oxygen. People who choose to try this treatment would need to keep an oxygen cylinder and regulator with them. Some people are able to get this same effect from very vigorous exercise. Unlike migraines, cluster headaches are not thought to be caused by exposure to environmental triggers like certain foods, etc – however once a period of attacks begin, many people notice that drinking alcohol can act as a trigger. Some people have found relief by treating their cluster headaches with an injectable form of sumatriptan (the same family of triptans used to treat migraines) or a nasal spray form of zolmitriptam – Imitrex and Zomig.
Newer treatments in development call for the surgical insertion of devices that will stimulate the occipital nerve or the hypothalamus itself.
