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Women are more prone to migraine and tension headaches than are men, with women three times more likely to experience a migraine than men. The three types of headaches most suffered are Cluster, Migrane, and Tension headaches. With that weighing heavily on your mind, read on about Cluster headaches. The remaining conditions will be covered in the following weeks.
About 1million Americans experience cluster headaches, which occur with little or no warning. Cluster headache pain is often described as excruciating, sharp, or burning. The sensation generally is localized to the area behind or around one eye. People with cluster headaches cannot lie still and are restless and active. This contrasts with migraine sufferers, who often need to go straight to bed in a quiet, dark room. People with cluster headaches also do not experience light sensitivity or gastrointestinal upset common in migraine. One hallmark of cluster headache is its relatively brief duration; it begins abruptly and lasts a short time, usually between 30 and 45 minutes. The term cluster emphasizes the characteristic grouping of pain attacks with respect to specific time patterns. About 80 to 97 percent of cluster headache sufferers have episodic headaches. This means that they get these headaches at the same time every day for 1 to 3 months. Most get one to four headaches per day during this period. The headaches then disappear for months or years. Cluster headaches affect about 6 times more men than women and generally begin around the age of 30. They do not appear to be inherited. Symptoms include: Intense one-sided pain; sudden onset; brief duration; pain localized to region around one eye; swollen, watery eye; and pain occurring at specific times. Cluster headaches can be triggered by altered sleep patterns. People at risk should maintain a regular sleep schedule. Occasionally a food may be associated with the onset of the headache. In such a case, eliminating the food from the diet may prevent the headaches from recurring. People who experience cluster headaches consistently report greater use of cigarettes and alcohol. The exact nature of this association is unclear. Whether it is a cause-and-effect relationship is uncertain; but the association of cluster headaches with these habits is strong. It is worth the effort to stop smoking and drinking. The headaches may subside, and improved health will certainly continue in other ways. The short duration of cluster headaches rules out the use of conventional pain-relieving medications. However, breathing oxygen through a face mask for 10 minutes often provides relief. Oxygen needs to be prescribed by a doctor, and oxygen tanks can be obtained from surgical supply stores. An ergot derivative, injected intramuscularly, may also provide pain relief. Go To Page: 1 2
The copyright of the article Women and Headaches in Women's Health is owned by . Permission to republish Women and Headaches in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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