Other forms of therapy | Cluster headache therapy

Other forms of therapy

Since non-drug therapy presents itself as ineffective, the number of alternative forms of therapy is low.

  • As an alternative drug the herbal capsaicin can be mentioned. It is a herbal analgesic with effect on inflammatory processes.

    The substance is diluted and amplified in the nasal mucosa. It results in a violent burning and irritation of the mucous membrane, but then the headache symptoms improve.

  • Surgery is possible, but is only indicated for chronic cluster headaches, and by no means for all patients. Only in the case of therapy-resistant headaches that have already been tried to be treated with medication in focus centers should consideration be given to a possible operation.

    About 1% of chronic cluster headache patients are considered for surgery. There are several approaches to surgery that should be discussed directly with the patient by the doctor. These include deep brain stimulation, blockage of individual nerves, occipital nerve simulation and other techniques.

Prophylaxis of cluster headaches

Apart from drug therapy in episode-free intervals, there are few possibilities for prophylaxis. Stress reduction or behavioral therapy or posture training are out of the question. It is important to keep a kind of headache diary to identify and avoid possible triggers for cluster episodes.

Here, alcohol or other vascular influencing substances are the main triggers. Nitroglycerin and histamine or even stays at high altitudes can trigger cluster headaches. Smoking cessation in particular is indicated to avoid a chronic course.