Headache (Horton's headache)

Class headaches are also called Horton's headaches. Cluster headaches are an extreme, one-sided headache - worse than the worst migraines - which due to the intense pain is also known as 'suicide headache'. The latter is due to the fact that people suffering from this type of headache often go through suicidal thoughts because the pain is so strong.

This type of headache is almost always one-sided and the seizures persist for between 15 to 180 minutes. The most common is that the attacks go on within 1 hour. The reason why it is called cluster headaches is that in certain cases you can experience recurring seizures, up to as much as 8 a day.

Headache: The worst headache that exists

It is a known fact that the intensity of this headache variant is the very worst. The pain is unlike any other headache - even severe migraine attacks (which says something about how painful it is). The headache is localized to one side of the head, especially around and behind the eye - and is described as a pressing, burning, stabbing, intense pain.

Affected? Join the Facebook group «The Headache Network - Norway: Research, New Findings and Cohesion»For the latest updates on research and media writing about this disorder. Here, members can also get help and support - at all times of the day - through the exchange of their own experiences and advice.

Pain Relief: How to relieve cluster headaches?

Fortunately, there are pain-relieving drugs (triptans) and remedies.

To relieve cluster headaches (Horton's headaches), we recommend that you lie down a little in a dark room (about 20-30 minutes) with a so-called «migraine mask»Over the eyes (mask that you have in the freezer and which is specially adapted to relieve migraines, neck headaches and stress headaches) - this will reduce some of the pain signals and calm down some of your tension. Click on the image or link below to read more about it.

For long-term improvement, it is otherwise recommended to talk to a doctor regarding the right medication - as well as regular use of trigger point balls towards tense muscles in the shoulders and neck (you know you have some!) and exercise, as well as stretching. Meditation and yoga can also be useful measures to reduce mental stress in everyday life. Light, regular self-massage of the jaw and facial muscles can also be useful.

Read more: Pain Relieving Headache and Migraine Mask (Opens in new window)

Pain presentation: Symptoms of cluster headache (Horton's headache)

Symptoms and signs of cluster headache may vary slightly, but some typical and characteristic symptoms are:

A significantly higher pain than any other headache
One-sided headache
The pain is particularly localized to the temples, above and behind the eye
The headache can occur without warning
The headache is so intense that it can cause suicidal thoughts

Influence on the autonomic nervous system also often occurs in cluster headaches - and it is said that at least one of the following symptoms will be present - such as pupil constriction, runny nose, watery eyes and eyelid symptoms (eg one eyelid 'collapses') . Other symptoms may include sweating, swelling or increased redness of the skin on the same side as the seizure.

Due to the fact that the pain can occur without warning, it is so that those affected by this disorder can be severely affected psychologically and fear that seizures will occur in social settings or the like. This may cause them to isolate themselves and withdraw from and / or avoid social events.

Epidemiology: Who gets a cluster headache? Who is most affected?

Men are affected 2,5 times more often than women. It is estimated that approximately 0.2 percent of the population suffers from cluster headaches. The condition normally occurs at the age of 20 - 50 years, but can occur at any age.

Cause: Why do you get cluster headaches?

The actual cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but research has shown that approximately 65% of those with cluster headaches are or have been smokers - but it is still not believed that this is the actual cause of this diagnosis.

Exercises and stretching: What exercises can help with headaches?

There are no exercises that relieve cluster headaches in a direct way - only indirectly.

Regular strength training (varied like this - not just bicep training there) of the neck, upper back and shoulders - as well as stretching, breathing exercises and yoga can all help with headaches. We recommend that you get a good routine that includes daily, customized, stretching of the neck.

Try these: - 4 Stretching exercises against Stiff Neck

Treatment of cluster headaches

Effective treatment of acute cluster headache consists of either oxygen therapy or triptan medications (eg, sumatriptan). Both of these treatment methods can provide symptomatic relief within a relatively short time.

A combined approach is important when it comes to treating headaches. Here you have to address the factors that cause your cluster headache to occur and work regularly to reduce unnecessary physical and mental stress.

Self-help: What can I do even for muscle and joint pain?

1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:

3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.

5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).

6. Prevention and healing: Compression noise like that like this can increase blood circulation to the affected area, thereby speeding up the natural healing of injured or worn muscles and tendons.

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