Cluster headaches: Are one-sided

Cluster headaches are one-sided, severe headaches that occur in cycles and follow a circadian pattern. Learn about the potential causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for this condition. Cluster headaches are severe, frequent and one-sided headaches that can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. They can be treated with medicines, oxygen, electrical stimulation or surgery, and prevented with other drugs. Cluster headaches cause severe, one-sided head pain. These headaches usually last for at least 30 minutes and happen multiple times per day. They tend to follow a pattern, often showing up at the same time each day. Headaches can last for months at a time before stopping. Cluster headaches cause excruciating, unilateral periorbital or temporal pain, with ipsilateral autonomic symptoms (ptosis, lacrimation, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion). Diagnosis is clinical. Acute treatment is with parenteral triptans, dihydroergotamine, or oxygen. Prevention is with verapamil, lithium, topiramate, divalproex, galcanezumab (a monoclonal antibody), or a combination. Cluster headaches cause excruciating, unilateral periorbital or temporal pain, with ipsilateral autonomic ...