Symptoms include restlessness, pacing or irritability. The pain is often described as similar to a hot poker piercing the eye. Nausea, sensitivity to lights, sensitivity to sound and aura on one side are also common. The symptoms tend to last from 15 minutes to two hours, and cycles tend to last from six to 12 weeks and may occur seasonally. If you are experiencing your first attack, contact your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Risk factors include smoking, alcohol use and genetics, or a family history of the condition. Men and those over the age of 20 are at the greatest risk. There is no cure, but pain relief is possible. Inhaling pure oxygen can provide fast, effective relief, but this treatment may be inconvenient for many people. Injectable medicine that provides relief from vascular headaches, such as migraine. They have also been shown to provide acute relief from. Local anesthetics may also help.
Prevention strategies can include taking calcium channel blockers, steroids and lithium carbonate. Nerve blocks can be used to block pain messages. Possibly a daily dose of melatonin can decrease the risk of recurrence, as well as others, it is best to discuss this with a doctor. A small percent of people cannot tolerate or do not respond to preventative treatments and may require surgical intervention. A stimulator implanted in the hypothalamus, or the part of the brain linked with cluster headaches, can disrupt pain messages. Other strategies include limiting your alcohol consumption and maintaining a strict sleep schedule.