Strong, almost intolerable pain, dislocated in the eye area, brings a lot of torment. Usually cluster headache affects men aged 22 to 55 years, but there are exceptions.
Possible causes of cluster headaches
Scientists failed to establish the origin of cluster headaches. There were theories that the disease is of genetic origin, but cases where a cluster (bundle) headache occurs in several members of the same family have never been documented. Meanwhile, there are several common features that unite patients:
- predominantly male sex;
- age is older than the period of puberty;
- strong constitution, developed musculature;
- high growth;
- heavy lower jaw, often with a dimple, light color of the iris of the eyes;
- smoking and drinking alcohol on a regular basis.
Hypotheses about violations of the hypothalamus were also put forward. The most frequent attacks of cluster pain occur in the fast phase of sleep, which is characterized by the activity of the eyes. Responsible for this function is the hypothalamus.
Among other reasons, there is also an allergy . It has been proven by experience that people suffering from this disease can be provoked with an injection of histamine. However, the scheme of action was never established.
Obviously, bundle pains are associated with the vasculature, but this is more likely a consequence than the cause of the disease.
It is quite possible to diagnose without special devices, a description from the patient's words is sufficient, as for the time being there are no diseases with similar symptoms. Here are the main symptoms of a cluster headache:
- sharp vasospasm in the eye area;
- the increase in pain from a rather weak in the first 2-3 minutes of the attack, until completely unbearable in 5-10 minutes;
- acute pain lasts from 15 minutes to 3 hours, then comes relief;
- usually seizures occur at the same time of day, often - during sleep;
- exacerbations of the disease occur in the spring and autumn;
- the break between exacerbations is long, can be up to 3 years;
- during an attack there is a slight increase in temperature, sweating;
- keen desire to act, move;
- there is a steady desire to leave the room on the street.
How to treat a cluster headache?
Unfortunately, the cluster headache can not be treated much. This is due to its vague origin and sharp character. The usual painkillers and vasodilator drugs simply do not have time to act, since the attack proceeds very quickly, and the time of action of the medicine comes only after 20-30 minutes after ingestion. Essential relief to the patient can bring an oxygen mask. Breathing clean oxygen, you can completely stop an attack.
Prevent the emergence of cluster pain in the future can such drugs:
- Somatostatin;
- Ergotamine;
- Lidocaine in the form of drops for the nose;
- Psilocybin;
- Tryptamine.
Quitting smoking did not affect the frequency of seizures, but patients who completely stopped using alcohol, indicated a decrease in the frequency of seizures. Also, as a preventive measure, increased motor activity and
- swimming;
- SPA;
- a course of massages;
- acupuncture .
In general, doctors strongly recommend avoiding stress, resting more and not overexerting themselves. It is desirable to observe a full-fledged diet, rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, cereals, seafood. Red meat and meat products do not exist.