Cluster Headache
It's a type of neurological disorder characterized by sudden onset of severe unilateral headache lasting for 30 - 90 minutes. It is more common in males and there is little evidence for a genetic predisposition. The exact aetiology is unknown but the patients are usually heavy cigarette smokers and alcohol abusers. The headache is associated with ipsilateral periorbital pain with ipsilateral lacrimation, nasal congestion and conjunctival injection. The headaches tend to occur in clusters as the name suggests meaning that they affect the same area of the head usually at the same time of the day. The best abortive therapy is inhalation of 100% oxygen. Subcutaneous injections of sumatriptan have also proven to be beneficial. Apart from this lithium, methysergide, calcium channel blockers like verapamil are useful as prophylactic therapy.
