By Jean Olsen ©2005

Cluster headaches are probably the most intense type of headache pain you can experience. Fortunately they are also the most rare type of headache.

When someone has a vascular headache the vessels supplying the head and scalp with blood are dilated. This pressure results in throbbing head pain.

As the name implies, cluster headaches occur in clusters. Attacks can last anywhere from ten minutes to three hours. They may happen up to eight times a day. This pattern can continue for weeks or months and then suddenly stop for extended periods or altogether.

Some practitioners are confused about the causes of cluster headaches. Many say they are triggered by some of the same things that bring on other headaches. However, they have been most closely linked to cigarette smoking and alcohol use. Cold wind and heat blown into the face have been known to initiate an occurrence.

Below is a list of other possible cluster headache triggers:

• emotional stress
  
• certain foods or beverages
  
• hormonal changes or imbalances
  
• digestive problems
  
• pressure in nerves behind the eye
  
• build up of toxins due to prolonged drug use
  
• low blood levels of oxygen

Cluster headaches have some unique qualities. Unlike most other headaches, clusters do not seem to have a genetic predisposition. They are far more likely to affect men than women. The first occurrence is usually between the ages of 20-50.

The following is a list of possible clutser headache symptoms:

• the pain begins suddenly with no warning
  
• there is sweating and flushing of the face
  
• the pain is mostly isolated to one side of the face
  
• the one eye becomes droopy/puffy
  
• it feels like the pain is behind the eye
  
• the eyes tear and there is blurred vision
  
• the nose gets stuffy and runny
  
• there is a desperate feeling of wanting to strike out, bang your head or yell
  
• the pain radiates into the jaw, nose, temple, chin or teeth
  
• they seem to accompany depression and/or insomnia
  
• the pain frequently wakes one up
  
• the attacks occur at some predictable time
  
• there is a lot of anxiety during an episode

The same natural treatments available for other headaches may help cluster headaches. These include- massage, aromatherapy, relaxation techniques, stretching, acupressure/acupuncture, chiropractic, osteopathic, hydrotherapy, biofeedback, herbology and homeopathy.

One form of treatment that is unique to treating cluster headaches versus other headaches, is the use of oxygen therapy. Some people who experience cluster headaches may have a low level of oxygen in their blood. They may benefit from breathing oxygen from a tank that can be rented from either a hospital or medical supply store.

Another unique form of treatment that may be beneficial is the use of intranasal capsaicin (or cayenne pepper sprayed into the nostrils). To learn more go to- www.sinusbuster.com

Due to the severity of the pain associated with cluster headaches and the somewhat conflicting information about them, they are probably the most difficult to treat.

If you have cluster headaches, make sure you are learning to give yourself regular massages, stretching often, and using aromatherapy and hydrotherapy. Knowing how to manage stress and avoiding alcohol and cigarettes may be other key factors in how you can help yourself prevent further attacks.

To find out more about headaches explore the alternative treatments offered in the “Headache Free… Naturally” kit.