To prevent cluster headache, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Stimulant use Alcohol Psycho-social situation Stress Disease-related risk factors Hypoxia (oxygen deficiency) Other causes Histamine (carrier substance in allergic reactions). Weather change High altitudes Time zone shift
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate cluster headache: Brief unilateral (one-sided) attacks of headache and/or facial pain (pain in the eye and temple area, on one side of the face only) Pain character: drilling, stabbing. Pain intensity: extremely high Attack duration: 15-180 minutes (untreated) Attack frequency 1 to 8/day Strong urge to move, with … Cluster Headache: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Pathogenesis (disease development) It is now believed that the causes of cluster headache lie in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus. This area controls the pituitary gland, which is responsible for producing hormones. These hormones control functions such as hunger and thirst, sexuality or sleep.It is believed that the cause of cluster headache … Cluster Headache: Causes
General measures Nicotine restriction (abstaining from tobacco use) – smokers have significantly longer cluster headache periods and higher attack frequencies compared to non-smokers Limited alcohol consumption (men: max. 25 g alcohol per day; women: max. 12 g alcohol per day) or alcohol restriction (abstaining from alcohol) Note: Alcohol consumption can trigger cluster headache attacks. During … Cluster Headache: Treatment
A deficiency symptom may indicate that there is an insufficient supply of vital substances (micronutrients). The complaint headache indicates a deficiency of vital substances (micronutrients) for: Vitamin B5 Iron The above vital substance recommendations (micronutrients) with the help of medical experts created. All statements are supported by scientific studies with high levels of evidence. For … Cluster Headache: Micronutrient Therapy
The medical history (history of illness) is an important component in the diagnosis of cluster headache. Family history Social history What is your occupation? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Do you travel much? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). Do you experience headaches on … Cluster Headache: Medical History
Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Glaucoma attack – eye disease with seizure-like elevation of intraocular pressure. Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Apoplexy (stroke) Aneurysms (spindle- or sac-shaped vasodilatation of an artery) Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) – congenital malformation of blood vessels in which the arteries are directly connected to the veins; these occur mainly in the CNS and … Cluster Headache: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important disorders or complications that may be contributed to by cluster headache: Psyche – Nervous System (F00-F99; G00-G99). Anxiety Depression Insomnia (sleep disorders) Social isolation
Cluster headache belongs to the trigeminal autonomic headache (TAK) group according to the 2013 revised IHS classification: Episodic and chronic cluster headache (CK). Episodic and chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (CPH). SUNCT syndrome (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with conjunctival injection and tearing). SUNA syndrome (short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache with autonomic symptoms). Hemicrania continua (HC) Diagnostic criteria: Cluster … Cluster Headache: Classification
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin and mucous membranes Eyes: concomitantly, at least one of the following characteristics occurs ipsilaterally (on the same side of the face): Red or watery eye (conjunctival redness). Miosis … Cluster Headache: Examination
Cluster headache is diagnosed on the basis of history and physical examination. 2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, etc. – for differential diagnostic clarification Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
Therapy goals Avoidance of headache attacks Improvement of symptoms if an attack did occur. Therapy recommendations In acute cluster headache attacks, 100% oxygen should be inhaled (normobaric, 8-15 l/min; over 15 (-20) min); use of inhalation masks with reservoir bags and check valves (non-rebreather face mask); inhalation should be done in a sitting position [standard … Cluster Headache: Drug Therapy
