Cluster Headache And Migraine: How To Tell The Difference
There are headaches, and then there are cluster headaches and migraines. Here’s a look at understanding the difference between cluster headaches and migraines.
There are headaches, and then there are cluster headaches and migraines. Here’s a look at understanding the difference between cluster headaches and migraines.
There are headaches and then there are cluster headaches and migraine attacks. Both of these types of primary headache disorder can be totally debilitating, rendering the person unable to do anything except lie down or pace around in excruciating pain. Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be particularly effective at treating cranial nerve issues where appropriate.
Here’s a look at understanding the difference between cluster headaches and migraines.
Getting a correct diagnosis for headache disorders is not always straightforward, because there are different types that share similar symptoms and patterns, but cluster headaches are not a type of migraine, and vice versa. This means that people may not be receiving the most appropriate treatment, and could be suffering a worse quality of life as a result.
Therefore, being more aware of the characteristics of each can help patients to be more confident and accurate during doctor’s consultations, and increase their chances of getting the most effective help that they so badly need.
Cluster headaches are a rare form of headache, affecting about one in 1,000 people. Sadly, incidences of suicide in patients with cluster headaches is higher than average, because they can make life unbearable if not managed properly. Gamma Knife radiosurgery can be an effective form of treatment for this condition.
The age of onset is typically between 30 and 50, although they can affect people of any age, and they are more common in men than women. They are known as cluster headaches because they occur in cyclical patterns or ‘clusters’. They tend to come on suddenly and are intense but usually quite brief.
Migraines are characterised by a throbbing headache on one side of the head, and are often accompanied by other symptoms including nausea and sensitivity to light, noise or smells. Some people also experience visual or sensory disturbances, known as aura, just before the onset of the headache.
Migraines can affect people of all ages, and they are more common in women than men.
Both types of headache can be triggered by common factors such as stress, alcohol, pungent smells, bright lights, or lack of sleep, but they are both primary disorders. This means that the symptoms are the result of the headache, rather than another underlying cause.
As we have discussed, cluster headaches occur in cycles, and can happen at the same time each day for weeks or months at a time. The headaches can recur several times in one day or at night time, or they just occur every couple of days. The attacks are then followed by a remission period that lasts for months, or even years.
Migraines can occur in cycles, but not always. It’s rare to have more than one migraine in one day.
Migraines can last for several hours, and even for up to three days if left untreated. Cluster headaches are much briefer, occurring suddenly and lasting for 15 minutes or up to two hours. This is a major difference between the two conditions, so it’s important to record the length of the headache so you can get an accurate diagnosis.
Cluster headaches are unilateral, meaning that they only occur on one side of the head. They are characterised by an intense pain that is described as a burning or stabbing sensation, usually concentrated behind the eye. Often the pain is accompanied by other symptoms including red or watery eyes, runny nose, or drooping eyelids.
During attacks, many patients cannot keep still, and feel agitated with the need to pace around.
Migraines are characterised by a throbbing pain that is less intense than a cluster headache. It can occur on one side of the head or across the whole head, behind the eyes or around the temples. Usually patients want to lie down because movement can make them feel worse. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
Some types of migraine are preceded by an aura, which are sensory changes. You may feel dizzy or fatigued during the migraine attack.
Both types of headache are severe and can disrupt your life. However, they can be treated and managed, so it is important to reach out to a medical professional and accurately describe your symptoms.
Interestingly, cluster headaches share some similarities with trigeminal neuralgia, as both conditions involve the trigeminal nerve, which plays a key role in facial pain disorders.
If you would like some information on trigeminal neuralgia treatment, please contact Mr Matthias Radatz of Amethyst Radiotherapy.
Centres of Excellence for Stereotactic Radiosurgery treatment of complex Brain Tumours
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