$Unique_ID{BRK01150}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What Causes "Cluster Headaches"?}
$Subject{headaches cluster symptoms treatment}
$Volume{N-4}
$Log{
Cluster Headache*0003905.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Causes "Cluster Headaches"?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  After a siege of the most terrible headaches you can imagine, I
consulted a physician and was told that I had condition known as "cluster
headaches".  It was more than a month before I was finally over the attacks.
I need to know all I can, and hope you will answer my question.  Can you tell
me where these frightful headaches come from, and what can be done to treat
them besides anti-histamines and pain pills?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  This type of headache was named for the manner in which they occur,
attacking the patient in episodes that come in groups or clusters.  Their
cause remains puzzling to the medical community.  We do know that they seem to
be aggravated by certain substances that cause blood vessels to enlarge, like
alcohol, nitroglycerin and certain foods.  They affect men more frequently
than women and they usually first appear between the ages of 20 and 40.  The
headaches themselves come on abruptly, creating a severe burning pain around
the eye which can last from a few minutes up to four hours, but usually last
for 30--45 minutes.  Sometimes they are accompanied by a drooping of the
eyelid, a narrowing of the pupil, sweating, red eye and flushing of the face
on the same side as the headache.  In many cases only some, but not all of
these symptoms may occur.  Most people will experience the pain a few times a
day and this may continue for weeks to months.
     The two most commonly used therapies to decrease or relieve the pain are
ergotamine and oxygen.  Ergotamine is a drug which can be taken under the
tongue and is about the easiest to use.  100% oxygen inhaled for about fifteen
minutes also seems to provide relief but this is a cumbersome treatment as it
is not easy to carry the necessary equipment about with you.  Various other
therapies use beta-blockers (such as indomethacin) and calcium channel
blockers.  Lithium carbonate has been used to treat the chronic variety of
this distressing disease.  Its not an easy disease to treat and there are
moments of frustration for both the patient and physician.  The best counsel I
can offer you is to understand your condition thoroughly and follow the advise
of your physician carefully.  You will want every possible factor to work in
your favor to prevent the frequent reoccurrence of this trying disease.
ÿ
----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
