Cluster headaches can cause abrupt, severe pain on one side of the head. It is important to note that the pain usually lasts for 30-45 minutes. The individual can suffer 1-4 headache attacks in a day for several weeks or months. Once the cycle ceases, months or even years can pass before the cluster headaches will start over again. Remember that there is no cure for this type of headache but lifestyle changes and medications can help manage the pain and prevent attacks in the future. By enrolling in a course on first aid today, you can readily provide ease to the symptoms experienced by the individual.
Avoidance of potential triggers
Changes to the lifestyle and diet can be useful in minimizing or preventing cluster headaches. Tobacco, alcohol and exposure to oil-based paints, solvents and gasoline can instigate cluster headaches and must be avoided. It is important to note that the nitrates present in processed and smoked meats as well as in certain medications can also serve as triggers in some individuals. Remember that avoidance of these potential triggers can reduce the occurrence of cluster headaches. Additionally, getting enough sleep can also help.
Medications for an acute attack of cluster headache
There are various medications that are readily available in order to manage an acute cluster headache. These medications should be taken as soon as the attack starts. An effective treatment for cluster headache is the injectable sumatriptan but not recommended for those who have coronary artery disease or high blood pressure.
In some cases, octreotide which is an injectable synthetic form of somatostatin is suitable for those who cannot tolerate sumatriptan. There are also nasal drops that contain a local anesthetic such as lidocaine that can be utilized in managing cluster headaches.
Oxygen therapy
Once the initial sign of a cluster headache occurs, oxygen therapy can effectively stop an attack within 15 minutes. This treatment involves breathing in 100% oxygen using a facial mask. With this form of treatment, it is a safe and low-cost but some find it inconvenient to keep an oxygen cylinder and mask always on hand.
Preventive medications
Always bear in mind that preventive therapy is a vital part of treatment. A combination of short-acting and long-acting medications including verapamil, prednisone, lithium and divalproex can help prevent attacks. Otherwise, the doctor might inject a local anesthetic and corticosteroid into the occipital nerve at the rear of the head to disrupt the pain messages from the brain.
Surgical intervention
Surgery can also be considered as an alternative for individuals who have symptoms that do not seem to respond to medications, but this approach is rarely used. In a standard surgery, the surgeon will destroy a part of the trigeminal nerve in order to block out the pain messages. This procedure can result to complications affecting the eyes and only suitable for those who have single-sided headaches. An approach that is commonly used involves the injection of glycerol into the facial nerves.