- Cluster headache is a very severe unilateral headache that occurs around or behind the eyes. It occurs more frequently in men between the ages of 20-40. The prevalence in the population is approximately 0.4%.
- Pain comes in the form of attacks.
- Usually 3-5 hours after sleeping or It starts at a certain time almost every day, in the morning. It may repeat 1-8 times a day. These very severe pain crises last between 15 minutes and 3 hours.
- The pain is one-sided and very severe.
- It is felt most around the eye, behind the eye, and in the temple. The pain has a stinging, stabbing character.
- Along with the headache, eye redness, bloodshot, tearing, nasal discharge and congestion, sweating on the forehead and face, eyelid swelling and droopy eyelid may be present.
- After this, the patient begins to feel relaxed again within minutes. These attacks may occur once or many times a day, or they may occur every other day.
- Cluster headache may also occur as crises that may last for several weeks to months. In between, there is a crisis-free period lasting several months. Crises often last 4-8 weeks. It can vary from 1 week to 12 months.
- In its treatment, medications are used to reduce the severity of pain during attacks and prevent new attacks from occurring. Additionally, various nerve blocks such as sphenopalatine ganglion blockade and stellar ganglion blockade can also be applied.
- During cluster periods, bright light, alcohol, anger, behaviors that will cause stress and excitement should be avoided. These may aggravate attacks.
- Alcohol and cigarette consumption may increase the frequency and severity of cluster headache attacks.
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