There are no medical tests that can diagnose cluster headache. However, your doctor may recommend testing to rule out other conditions similar to cluster headache. Once other conditions are ruled out, diagnosis is based on your report of symptoms. There are specific criteria listed in the International Classification of Headache …
There is nothing specific to prohibit a cluster headache patient from driving. However, every city has laws against driving while impaired by medication or health condition. It is certainly not safe to drive during an attack. Depending on the treatments you use to abort or prevent attacks, it may or …
A headache diary is any tracking system that is used to record each attack, time of onset, duration, treatments used, and any potential triggers. There are many mobile apps that can be used to track attack frequency. However, some prefer to use spreadsheets, or even paper calendars. Any of these …
A trigger is something in the environment that sets off an attack. Triggers are unique to each person and can include food or drink, sounds, smells, sleep quality, and even stress levels. A trigger is not the same as cause. You can discover your unique triggers by keeping a headache …
Almost everyone has experienced a headache. In most cases, a simple over-the-counter analgesic is sufficient to stop the pain and allow a person to return to normal activities quickly. Society’s view of “headache” does not include the excruciating pain of a cluster headache. It is difficult for most people to …
Cluster headache is not the kind of medical condition that develops because of lifestyle choices. As far as the experts know, there are no documented risk factors for the development of cluster headache. The onset of symptoms usually occurs before age 30. It is a lifelong, incurable condition with no …
There is no cure for cluster headaches. There are a few surgical options that have limited success for some patients. However, these are not first-line treatments for cluster headache. They are a last resort when all else has failed. The surgeries that are available block pain signals through neuromodulation. These …