Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
Symptoms of cluster headaches are distinct and highly characteristic, making them easier to recognise than other headache types. The key feature of cluster headaches is their sudden, intense pain, usually centred around one eye. This pain is often described as a sharp, stabbing, or burning sensation that reaches its peak within minutes and can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours.
1. Severe, One-Sided Pain
The hallmark symptom is severe pain on one side of the head, typically in or around the eye, temple, or forehead. The pain can radiate to the jaw, neck, or even the shoulder, and is often so intense that it drives people to pace, rock back and forth, or even harm themselves out of desperation.
2. Eye Symptoms | Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
The affected eye may show:
- Redness and tearing
- Eyelid drooping (ptosis)
- Swelling or puffiness
- Pupil constriction
These symptoms almost always occur on the same side as the headache and resolve once the attack ends.
3. Nasal Symptoms
Nasal congestion or a runny nose is common, again usually confined to the affected side. Some people also experience facial sweating or flushing.
4. Restlessness
Unlike migraine sufferers, who often lie down in dark rooms, people with cluster headaches are usually agitated and physically restless during an attack. This reaction is thought to be due to the sheer intensity of the pain.
5. Predictable Timing | Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
Attacks often occur at the same time each day or night, sometimes waking individuals from sleep. This regularity is linked to the hypothalamus, which governs circadian rhythms.
6. Cluster Periods and Remission
Attacks come in clusters, typically lasting weeks or months, followed by remission periods that may last months or years. Some people experience chronic cluster headaches with little to no remission.
Recognising the symptoms of cluster headaches is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. Their distinct pattern of intense, one-sided pain and autonomic symptoms set them apart from other headache disorders.
[Next: Diagnosis of Cluster Headaches →]
