Cluster headaches, like migraines, are likely due to an interaction of abnormalities in the blood vessels and nerves that affect regions in the face.
Evidence strongly suggests that abnormalities in the hypothalamus, a complex structure located deep in the brain, may play a major role in cluster headaches. Advanced imaging techniques have shown that a specific area in the hypothalamus is asymmetrical in these patients and is activated during a cluster...
Read moreYears ago a landmark study proved that not all pinched nerves hurt. By looking at multiple cadavers, researchers found many flattened,... Read more »
Cluster headaches are often said to be the most painful of all headaches. They have been described as "boring," bearing, burning," "like a hot poker... Read more »
Two recent studies have found that stimulation of the occipital nerve may help relieve the severe pain of cluster headaches. Researchers say the... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Cluster HeadachesCluster headaches are among the most painful, and least common, of all headaches. The pain can be so excruciating that they are... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
Many patients report a delay of 1 - 6 years in the diagnosis of their cluster headaches. Migraine-like symptoms (light and sound sensitivity, aura,... Read more »
Source: ADAM Encyclopedia
SurgeryIn rare cases, surgical intervention may be considered for patients with chronic cluster headaches that do not respond to other treatments.... Read more »
Learn the role that the trigeminal nerve plays in causing cluster headaches in this diagram... Read more »