- Although rare, affecting about 1 in 1,000 adults, cluster headaches are extremely painful.
- Cluster headaches have unique characteristics that set them apart from other types of headaches.
- They come on quickly and forcefully, develop on one side of the head, occur frequently, and are usually short, lasting only about 30 to 90-minutes.
- Unfortunately, there is no cure but by working with your doctor, you can find the right treatment plan to help ease your symptoms and decrease the frequency of attacks.
Nothing can disrupt your day quite like a painful headache. But cluster headache sufferers know too well how debilitating they can really be. In fact, they’re known as one of the most painful types of headaches.
Even though they’re not common, affecting about 1 in 1,000 adults, they’re still extremely painful which is why it’s important to get informed. Let’s take a closer look at what cluster headaches are, how they differ from other types of headaches, and what to do to treat them if you ever experience one.
What Are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are very painful headaches that occur in a recurring pattern. Frequent attacks, known as cluster periods, can last from weeks to months. The individual usually experiences a remission period when the headaches stop. During this time the individual may not experience cluster headaches for months and in some cases, years.
Healthline points out there are two types of cluster headaches known as episodic and chronic. “Episodic cluster headaches occur regularly between one week and one year, followed by a headache-free period of one month or more,” says the source. While chronic cluster headaches occur regularly for longer than one year with a remission period that lasts for less than one month.