Cluster headache consists of agonising attacks of pain typically felt on one side of the head, often around the eye area or the forehead. These attacks typically last for anywhere between 15 to 180 minutes. They are more common in men and attacks tend to begin between the age of 30 and 50. Fortunately, cluster headaches are relatively rare, and treatments are available to lessen the pain of attacks and even prevent future attacks.
The condition is called cluster headache because attacks occur at the same time each day for several weeks. The attacks can be particularly agitating and disabling.
It is important to speak to your GP as soon as possible if you suspect you have had or are experiencing a cluster headache.
Risk factors for developing cluster headache include male sex, a family history, and prior head injury.
There are certain triggers, but the exact cause is unknown. Triggers include:
Cluster headache is characterised by excruciating pain, typically on one side of the head around the eye area or the temple. The pain is often felt on the same side of the head during each attack and is typically severe and disabling. An attack can lead to the sufferer rocking, pacing or even banging one’s head against the wall.
Additional possible symptoms of cluster headache include:
There are preventative treatments for cluster headache. The first line preventative treatment is a calcium-channel blocker called verapamil which is taken orally, however other medications and even surgery may play a role for some individuals. Preventative treatment may be necessary for those who experience chronic cluster headaches to ensure they can lead a normal life.
Over-the-counter pain relief is not typically effective for cluster headache. Specialist treatments and medication for cluster headache are available and should be implemented as soon as an attack begins. These include:
Research into the effect of medicinal cannabis on pain associated with cluster headache is limited. However, following the legalisation of cannabis for medical purposes in 2018, there has been a rise in people looking towards medical cannabis. When first-line therapies have not proved effective at reducing symptoms, medical cannabis may be considered an option for cluster headache.
For further information and to find out more about medical cannabis, click here to discover more about our multi-award-winning Sapphire Access Scheme. Alternatively, complete an eligibility assessment now. Once complete, one of our clinicians will review your application and advise whether you are eligible for progression to an appointment.
Cluster headache is characterised by excruciating attacks of pain in the head, usually on one side of the head around the eye or temple.
There is no evidence of cluster headache being life-threatening, however, they are excruciatingly painful and can cause disorientation and irrational behaviour due to the severity of the pain.
You will experience agonising pain, usually in one side of the head that lasts anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours. Unlike other headaches, the pain from a cluster headache is reported to be unbearable and cannot be relieved using over-the-counter medications.
There are a few treatment options to relieve cluster headaches at home, these are:
Drinking water during a cluster headache is not known to directly relieve symptoms.
Remission from cluster headache is normal and can last months or even years. Some people report having experienced one bout of cluster headaches without recurrence, other sufferers experience them daily in bouts that last for weeks or months at a time before they go back into remission. Recurrences and periods of remission vary from person to person.
A cluster headache attack typically lasts between 15 and 180 minutes.
If you are a patient or carer seeking an appointment to discuss treatment with medical cannabis, you can complete this form and we can assist you with this.
Eligible patients can provide us with their healthcare records or we can obtain these through your GP. This is to confirm that a patient’s condition has been fully assessed and all other treatment options have been attempted. We will ensure that the primary care provider receives all treatment communication to maintain the highest level of clinical governance.
We also accept referrals from healthcare professionals.
To refer a patient to us, please click here to fill and securely submit a referral form.
Press contact:
[email protected]
Head Office Address: – Sapphire Clinics, 10 Harley St, London W1G 9QY
Postal Address:- Sapphire Clinics, PO Box 1436, Sunderland, SR5 9UE
| Overall Rating for this Location | Good |
| Are Services Well-led? | Outstanding |
