Cluster Headaches: The Most Painful Condition You’ve Never Heard Of

If you’ve never heard of cluster headaches, you’re not alone — research indicates they affect just one in every thousand people. These headaches might not be as well-known as migraine, but for people who suffer from them, the pain can be truly unbearable.

At Memphis Neurology, we believe it is important to raise awareness about cluster headaches so patients can find answers, relief, and support.

Understanding cluster headaches

A cluster headache is an extremely painful type of headache that comes in groups or clusters. That means patients can experience multiple headaches in a single day, sometimes for weeks or even months at a time. These painful cycles are usually followed by a headache-free period that can last for months or years.

Cluster headaches more commonly affect men than women and usually develop between the ages of 20 and 40. They can also run in families, suggesting a possible genetic link. Unlike migraines, which can develop at any time because of triggers like stress, certain foods, or lack of sleep, cluster headaches tend to occur at the same time every day.

Triggers for cluster headaches vary, but some people notice that alcohol, strong smells, bright lights, or certain medications can bring on an attack during an active cluster period. Cluster headaches frequently wake people up in the middle of the night.

What does a cluster headache feel like?

What makes cluster headaches different from other types of headaches is their intensity. Many people describe the pain as a burning or piercing feeling, often centered around one eye or temple.

Cluster headache pain is sudden and severe, and some even call it the “suicide headache” because it’s so intense it can drive people to despair. The pain typically affects one side of the head, peaking within 5–10 minutes and lasting up to three hours. Headaches can happen several times a day during a cluster cycle.

Along with the pain, you may experience:

• Watery or red eyes
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Drooping eyelid
• Smaller pupil on the affected side
• Restlessness or agitation (many people can’t sit still during an attack)

We diagnose cluster headaches based on your symptoms and medical history. We start by listening carefully to your experiences and asking detailed questions. We may also order imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan to rule out other possible causes of head pain, such as a brain tumor or aneurysm.

Because cluster headaches are rare and often misdiagnosed, it’s essential to consult a neurologist who specializes in headache disorders. Many patients are led to believe they have sinus headaches or migraine before they receive the correct diagnosis.

Treating cluster headaches

There’s no cure for cluster headaches, but we offer treatments that can reduce the number of attacks and make them less intense. Treatments aim to stop the pain quickly, shorten the cluster cycle, and prevent future attacks.

Acute treatments (used during a headache) include:

Oxygen therapy

Breathing pure oxygen through a mask can stop an attack within minutes.

Triptans

Triptan medications (often used for migraines) can help stop a cluster headache if you take them early enough.

Lidocaine nasal spray

Lidocaine is an anesthetic that we sometimes use to numb the nerve pathways that carry pain signals.

Preventive cluster headache treatments include:

Calcium channel blockers

These medicines are often the first choice to prevent cluster cycles.

Steroids

Steroid drugs can break a cluster cycle when used short-term.

Nerve blocks

Nerve block injections contain an anesthetic to numb specific nerves and reduce attacks.

Treatments like neuromodulation (which involves electrical stimulation of certain nerves) may be an option for people with chronic cluster headaches or those who don't respond well to medications.

What to do if you think you have cluster headaches

If your headaches are intense, one-sided, and occur in patterns, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis and treatment make a considerable difference in managing cluster headaches and improving your quality of life.

At Memphis Neurology, we specialize in diagnosing and treating all types of headaches, including cluster headaches. We understand how disruptive and painful these attacks can be and are here to help you find relief.

Cluster headaches can feel isolating, especially since they’re rare and frequently misunderstood. But you’re not alone and don’t have to suffer in silence. Our team is ready to support you with expert care and compassion.

If you or a loved one may be living with cluster headaches, contact Memphis Neurology today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward relief.