What Are Cluster Headaches?
July 6th, 2009 | 
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Many people out there have never before heard the term “cluster headaches“. And just as many others have heard the term cluster headaches but have no idea what a cluster headache actually is. Many people believe they are a headache that gathers in one part of the head or face. Others still believe it’s just an alternate term for migraines. However these are all misconceptions, cluster headaches are very different from other types of headaches. In this article we’ll cover what cluster headaches are and why they are different from an ordinary headache or migraines.
Cluster headaches are named so because of their tendency to occur repeatedly over a certain period of time. It is true that they are felt on only one side of the head or face as well. In most sufferers the cluster headaches will occur on the exact same side each time, although there are a few cases in which the cluster headaches will switch from side to side. However, it is extremely rare for cluster headaches to switch sides or to attack both sides of the head at once.
The pain of cluster headaches can surpass the pain of a regular headache or even the pain of a migraine. A cluster headache tends to be a very sharp, debilitating pain that feels akin to a sharp knife or an electric shock to the eyes. What’s worse is that this overpowering pain can last up to 90 minutes or so and can greatly disrupt one’s day.
Unlike regular headaches which are a dull, vague pain, cluster headaches are much worse with the sharp pains they bring. A regular headache is unpleasant and maybe a little irritating, but they aren’t as debilitating as a cluster headache. Any sufferer will tell you they aren’t even in the same league.
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