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Cluster HeadacheCluster headaches are recurrent, severe headaches that occur in "clusters" during periods of time called cluster periods or episodes. These headaches, which are said to be more painful than migraine headaches , result in an intense, stabbing pain around the eye or temple. The pain, which usually lasts between 15 and 180 minutes, may spread to the face and upper neck. During a cluster period, an individual is more prone to having the headaches and may have several headaches every day. During a cluster headache cycle, the attacks of severe pain often occur at the same time each day. Cluster headaches, which are more common in men than in women, can go into remission only to return months or years later. What Causes Cluster Headaches?The exact cause of cluster headaches is not known. Many experts believe that cluster headaches and migraine headaches have a common cause that begins in the trigeminal nerve, a nerve that carries sensations from the head to the brain and that ends in the blood vessels that surround the brain. Other experts link cluster headaches to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain. Either explanation would account for the periodic nature of the headache. What Are The Symptoms of Cluster Headaches?Cluster headaches often occur with the following symptoms:
How Are Cluster Headaches Treated?People with cluster headaches usually receive drug therapies. These treatments may be classified as abortive or preventive. Abortive treatments are directed at stopping or reducing the severity of an attack, and include:
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