Cluster Headache Treatments
Cluster migraines are typically initially treated with medication. Medications can help alleviate cluster headaches and prevent their occurrence. Abortive medications and preventive medications are used to treat cluster migraines. (8)
Contraceptive medications
These medications are used to treat headaches that have already begun. These pharmaceuticals include:
Triptans — Triptans are one of the most effective treatments for cluster headaches. Triptans are a genus of medications that mimic the effects of serotonin (narrowing blood vessels in the head and preventing pain signals from the brain) to treat migraines. It is believed that serotonin plays a function in migraine and cluster headaches. They are available in tablet, nasal spray, and injectable forms. Triptans are generally regarded as safe and effective for cluster headache treatment.
Dihydroergotamine (DHE) – DHE is a migraine medication. Additionally, it effectively treats cluster migraines. Doctors may prescribe dihydroergotamine for patients suffering from severe cluster migraines. It functions by constricting the head’s blood vessels. This prevents the transmission of pain signals to the brain. There are various methods to administer DHE, including injection, nasal spray, and pill. The most prevalent method of administration is as a nasal spray. It has been demonstrated that the nasal spray effectively treats cluster migraines.
Preventive pharmaceuticals
These medications are employed to prevent cluster migraines. There are beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and anticonvulsants among these medications.
Beta-blocking medications -. Beta blockers are one potential treatment option for cluster headache prevention. These are a class of medications that inhibit the effects of adrenaline on the body. They are frequently prescribed to individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Studies indicate that beta blockers may also be useful for treating cluster migraines. In one study, the beta blocker propranolol was found to reduce the frequency of cluster migraines by 50%. In a separate study, another beta blocker, timolol, reduced the incidence of cluster headaches experienced by participants by 66%.
Calcium channel antagonists – Calcium channel blockers can prevent cluster headaches by reducing the inflammation believed to be the headaches’ underlying cause. These medications are effective at preventing cluster headaches and can also be used to treat acute attacks, according to studies and medical reviews.
Anticonvulsants – Anticonvulsants are drugs used to treat convulsions. In addition, they have been found to be effective in treating and preventing cluster migraines. They are actually one of the most effective treatments for this form of headache. Topiramate (Topamax), valproate (Depakote), and zonisamide (Zonisamide) are among the anticonvulsants most frequently prescribed for cluster headaches. These medications function by inhibiting channels in the brain that are believed to contribute to the development of cluster headaches. Based on your symptoms and any other medical conditions you may have, your doctor will be in the best position to determine which medication is best for you.
Oxygen treatment
Oxygen therapy consists of inhaling oxygen through a mask or conduit. It is believed to alleviate cluster migraines by dilating blood vessels and decreasing inflammation. The research on oxygen therapy for cluster headaches is limited, but some studies indicate that it may be effective for pain relief.
If you suffer from cluster migraines, consult your physician about the possibility of oxygen therapy.
Injectable medications
Depending on the underlying cause of cluster headaches, several forms of injections may be administered. The most prevalent type of injection is a corticosteroid injection. Injections of this form are used to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms. A nerve block injection is another form of injection. This form of injection prevents pain signals from reaching the brain from the nerves. It can be used to treat chronic cluster migraines or prevent their occurrence. (9)
The sumatriptan
Injections of sumatriptan are a treatment option for cluster migraines. It is an injectable medication that helps alleviate pain and other migraine symptoms. It is unclear how sumatriptan treats cluster headaches, but it is believed that it may reduce inflammation in the head’s blood vessels. Cluster migraines are typically treated with a subcutaneous injection of 6 mg of sumatriptan. If this does not alleviate the headache, a dose of 12 mg may be administered.
The drug Lidocaine
Nerve block treatments may be an option for patients who cannot take or do not respond to other medications. A nerve block numbs the nerves in a particular location. The medication is injected into the area around the temples and eyes to treat cluster migraines. Lidocaine is the most prevalent medication used for this purpose.
Lidocaine is a medication that is injected directly into the area surrounding the head and neck’s blood vessels. It prevents pain signals from travelling from these blood vessels to the brain. Injections of lidocaine have been shown to alleviate the agony of cluster headache sufferers.
The hormone corticosteroid
Corticosteroids are a class of medications that includes hormones like cortisol and synthetic medications like prednisone. They are used to treat conditions such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune disorders. Corticosteroids can also be effective in the treatment of cluster migraines, particularly when administered early during an attack. Corticosteroids may cause weight gain, mood fluctuations, insomnia, and high blood pressure as potential side effects.
The hormone cortisol
The hormone cortisol can alleviate discomfort. It is produced naturally by the adrenal gland, reduces inflammation, and may prevent cluster migraines from occurring. You can take synthetic cortisol as a tablet, an injection, or a nasal spray.
The drug Prednison
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that aids in the reduction of inflammation. It is frequently used to treat asthma, allergies, and skin conditions, among others. Prednisone may provide cluster headache sufferers with pain relief and enable them to resume normal activities. Prednisone, like all medications, has adverse effects. The most frequent adverse effects are weight gain, fluid retention, and alterations in mood.
