La cluster headache or Horton's is a type of headache which occurs in cyclical patterns and what can affect different parts of the skull.

When headaches they begin to cease, cluster headache is considered to have entered the stage of remission and the outbreak is close to ending. Patients suffering from this disease may experience several outbreaks throughout his life

This disease is very rare, but, in Área Oftalmológica AvanzadaWe are going to explain what its symptoms are, how long it lasts and what causes it.

What is cluster headache?

cluster headache

La Horton's headache or cluster headache is one of the most intense pains that a person can suffer. It's about a type of headache very recurring which can last for weeks or even months

When someone has a cluster headache outbreak, the pain can be so bad that the person can wake up while sleeping and discomfort usually concentrates on one eye, around the eye o on one side of the head. However, most Horton headaches are concentrated in the area of ​​the trigeminal nerve

Despite that Horton headache pain is unilateral and concentrates behind the eyesis the doctor ophthalmologist responsible for treating ophthalmological pathology derived from cluster headache or Horton. Cluster headaches are a neurological disease which should be attended by a neurologist, preferably a headache specialist, migraines and migraines.

Anyway, the visit to the ophthalmologist is essential to rule out any type of ailment associated with cluster or Horton headache.

Fortunately, cluster headache is rare and not life threatening. With proper treatment, Horton's headache attacks can be shorter and less intense. 

Also, consuming special medications for these headaches can help reduce the number of headaches a person usually has.

Symptoms of Horton's headache

The main symptom of Horton's headache is a Throbbing pain. This appears suddenly and can be located in an eye, around it or somewhere in the head. However, cluster headaches are often accompanied by more symptoms:

  • Some patients, before pain occurs, experience a aura around vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • El eye pain that produces the headache can spread to other areas such as Tsar, cuello, cabeza, front, etc. 
  • Headache usually always appear on the same side
  • Eye redness of the eye affected by pain. 
  • Excessive tearing of the affected eye. 
  • Nasal congestion in the fossa on the side affected by the headache. 
  • Sweating on the forehead and faces. 
  • Redness of the eyelid or the skin around the eye affected by Horton's headache. 

Outbreak periods

Cluster headache is a disease that comes in cycles. For that reason, every time a person begins to suffer from cluster headache pain, a period of flare-ups is considered, that is, a indeterminate cycle time.

During this time, the wearer will be suffering from very severe headaches, usually every day and at the same time of day

How long do they last?

La duration outbreak periods may vary according to each patient, their physical condition and tiempo who has been suffering from Horton headaches.

Generally, cluster headache outbreaks can last 1 to 12 months, followed by a period of remission where you may experience milder headaches.

What happens during an outbreak period?

During an outbreak period: 

  • headaches affect daily to the patient. You may experience multiple headaches on the same day. 
  • A headache attack can last from 15 minutes to several hours
  • Headaches usually manifest at the same time of day
  • Attacks usually occur overnight, approximately. 

After a headache crisis, the patient is usually very tired, even when he is no longer in pain. 

Causes of cluster headache

horton's headache

Today, the exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, although experts suggest that it is a biological clock disorder of the body: the hypothalamus.

Unlike other headaches, Horton is not associated with triggers like certain foods, emotions o hormonal changes. However, it has been found that drinking alcoholic beverages during outbreak periods It can immediately trigger an intense headache. 

Treatment of cluster headache

Cluster headache is a condition that there is no cure. However, treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Since the headache attacks suddenly and intensely, you need to opt for fast acting medications

La oxygen inhalation, through a mask, has been shown to help improve Horton headache symptoms during seizures.

Some injectable medications They work much faster than pills and, although they are stronger, they work better in people with very sharp pain.

Factors riesgo

Who can get cluster headaches? The risk factors for Horton's headache are: 

  • Be of male sexCluster headache was more common in men than in women. 
  • Having 20 and 50 years between of age.
  • To be a smoker.
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Family background of Horton's headaches.

If you have any symptoms of cluster headache, it is important that you visit, in addition to an ophthalmologist, a neurologist immediately to treat it as soon as possible. In case of any eye or visual discomfort, do not hesitate to contact our specialists in Área Oftalmológica Avanzada. We will wait for you! 

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Cluster or Horton headache: what it is, symptoms and treatment
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Cluster or Horton headache: what it is, symptoms and treatment
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Find out now about what is cluster or Horton's headache, what are its symptoms and what factors can favor its appearance.
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Área Oftalmológica Avanzada
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