Cluster headache causes repeated attacks of severe pain, usually around one eye or temple. Individual attacks commonly last 15 to 180 minutes and may occur several times a day during an active period.
A red or watery eye, nasal congestion, a drooping eyelid or restlessness may occur on the same side as the pain. A clinician should confirm the diagnosis; new or unusual severe head pain should not be self-diagnosed.
Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder, but symptoms alone cannot rule out other causes of head pain. A medical evaluation may be needed, especially for a first episode or a change in the usual pattern.
Call 911 for a sudden, extremely severe headache, particularly with weakness, trouble speaking, confusion or loss of consciousness. Do not wait for a routine chiropractic appointment. See NINDS guidance on sudden severe headache.
New symptoms or a change in your usual headache pattern need medical attention. Tell your clinician about the timing, duration and frequency of attacks, associated eye or nasal symptoms, and possible triggers.
Seek urgent assessment for headache with fever or new neurological symptoms. Sudden, extremely severe head pain is an emergency.
Cluster headache needs a diagnosis and treatment plan from a medical clinician, often a headache specialist. Recommended treatments for an attack include prescribed oxygen and certain fast-acting triptan medicines. Preventive treatment may also be needed.
Chiropractic adjustments should not replace established cluster-headache treatment. The information on this page does not establish chiropractic manipulation as an effective treatment for cluster headache.
Discuss treatment choices and contraindications with your clinician. See the NICE headache guideline and NINDS headache information.
