Available Cluster Headache Treatments

There are a number of different things that you should know about the cluster headache treatment options that are available to you.

But before you find out about the different cluster headache treatment choices, you are going to want to make sure that you are suitably aware as to what cluster headaches actually are to begin with. (also see our article Cluster Headaches)

Exactly What Are Cluster Headaches.

Cluster headaches are considered as being uncommon and particularly painful headaches that occur in groups or clusters.

They are often described as or referred to as (suicide headaches). Sufferers of these types of headaches typically will experience very ruthless headaches of a piercing quality near one eye or temple that last for fifteen minutes to three hours, with little variations.

Cluster Headaches Treatment And Options.

There are actually not all that many options in this regards, to the available cluster headaches treatment, however one of the best is referred to as ‘abortive treatment’. The abortive treatment is used during the initial onset of a cluster headache. The most rapid type of abortive treatment is the breathing of pure medical grade oxygen.

If used at the initial onset of an attack, this oxygen can abort the attack in as little as 5 minutes, however obviously then you need to have the oxygen ready and waiting at all times, because you never know when an attack is going to strike. Since supplemental oxygen seems to work the headache is probably caused by the constriction of blood vessels which could diminish oxygen to the affected areas.

Medications for the treatment of Cluster headaches is not considered as being very good, because most people complain that they try all the different prescriptions and that none of them work well enough to ease the pain of the headaches. Over the counter prescriptions are offered for these sorts of headaches. A number of people say the best being a combination of acetaminophen and ibuprofen. (Tylenol and Advil) My personal experience has shown this to be very effective. Most of the information on using these two medications together say it is safe if not used for long term. The usual recommended maximum dosage is generally enough to stop the pain. Always consult your doctor first.

NSAIDS Motrin and Ibuprofen are called NSAIDS or non-steroidal anit-inflammatory drugs.

These are not only pain relieving but reduce inflammation. Note that the anti-inflammatory effects may take from a few days to three weeks.

Acetaminophen is not an NSAID. NSAIDs can be used for pain but since NSAIDs have side affects acetaminophen is the first otc drug of choice for pain. NSAIDS are most commonly used for arthritis, back pain, sprains, strains, dental pain, migraines and other painful conditions especially ones that are accompanied by inflammation. “On April 7, 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that they were asking manufacturers of all prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to revise the drug labeling (package insert) to include a ''boxed'' or serious warning about the potential for increased risk of cardiovascular events (including heart attack and stroke) and serious and potentially life-threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with their use. This information will also state that patients who have just had heart surgery should not take these medications. The FDA is also asking manufacturers of nonprescription (OTC) NSAIDs to include information on the product label abo ut the potential for cardiovascular events and GI bleeding, as well as skin reactions in patients taking these drugs. You should talk to your doctor if you are taking one of these drugs and have any questions or concerns about this new information. For more information visit the FDA website:http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/infopage/COX2/default.htm.”

Acetaminophen also known as Tylenol has no anti- inflammatory properties. It comes as a liquid, tablet, chewable tablet and suppository. Tylenol is usually the first course of treatment when you have a fever, non-migraine headache or pain from mild arthritis.

Side affects are rare. The most serious one is liver damage if Acetaminophen is taken in large doses.

Ibuprofen is used to relieve the pain due to swelling caused my arthritis, dental work, surgery, muscle aches, menstrual pain, backache and to reduce fever. You may know this as Motrin or Advil. Ibuprofen comes in table and liquid form. Ibuprofen may cause an upset stomach. Take it with food or milk. It has potential side affects such as dizziness, vomiting, skin rash constipation or diarrhea.

You can take Acetaminophen with either of the NSAIDS because the properties are so different. Remember Tylenol is not for inflammation, only for pain so by itself it won’t relieve the inflammation in my hands. It does help with the pain. Cluster headaches are, without a doubt, one of the worst kinds of headaches out there, and so if you are one of the victims who have to suffer from these headaches, then surely you are feeling at least remotely hopeless, particularly in regards to how there are not many helpful options or forms of treatment for you to choose from here.

However, you should remember to stay calm and not get frustrated, and realize that even though it may take you some time and effort, you will be able to find some form of treatment that will at least remotely help the pain, and so you can at least rest assured in knowing this.

Just make sure that you speak to your doctor so that the two of you can work together in order to be able to come up with the best possible solutions.