Cluster Headache

Cluster headache is a rare form of headache associated with sleep and even speculated to be a manifestation of a sleep disorder rather than a primary headache. Cluster headache exhibits both circadian and circannual rhythmicity. See also :

• Migraine
• Headache

Causes

• Unregular sleep : The hypothalamus controls circadian rhythms, which could explain the clock-like regularity and seasonal variation of cluster headaches. Also, PET and MRI show that the hypothalamus is highly active during cluster headache attacks.
• Blue light especially before sleeping : Sources of blue light include sunlight, cell phones, computer monitors, tablet screens, flat screen LED televisions, LED lights, and compact fluorescent light bulbs. In other words, blue light is everywhere.
• Smoking. Many people who get cluster headache attacks are smokers.
• Alcohol use. Alcohol can trigger an attack if you're at risk of cluster headache.
• Magnesium Deficiency

Natural Remedies

• Take 250mg of feverfew every day. This herb is well-known for treating the pain of migraines, and reducing their frequency. Take 2 leaves of feverfew, or get the herb in capsules at any health food store or retailer selling nutritional products. Wait 4 to 6 weeks until you really notice the effects of feverfew. The active ingredient, parthenolide will limit inflammation and prevent blood vessels from constricting.
• Melatonin is a naturally occurring compound found in animals, plants, and microbes. In animals, circulating levels of the hormone melatonin vary in a daily cycle, thereby allowing the entrainment of the circadian rhythms of several biological functions.
• Caffeine : Before a headache or migraine, blood vessels tend to enlarge, but caffeine has “vasoconstrictive” properties that cause the blood vessels to narrow and restrict blood flow, which can aid in head pain relief. When caffeine is added to the combination of acetaminophen and aspirin, the pain relieving effect is increased by 40%. If you feel a headache coming on, a cup of joe might lessen the severity of your symptoms. On the other hand, though caffeine does not directly cause headache, too much of the substance can trigger “caffeine rebound.” A caffeine rebound headache occurs from withdrawals of caffeine after a sufferer continually consumes too much of it. Though the physical side effects can be severe, only 2% of the population suffers from caffeine rebound.
• Take Ginkgo Biloba to help your migraines. This herb increases circulation in your blood and decreases inflammation. It comes in tablets and capsules.
• Use herbs such as lemon balm, passion flower, skullcap and lavender. Make a tea that includes any or all of these herbs. You can use tea leaves, or purchase a tincture, which is an extract of these herbs, from a nutritional or health food store. Drink 1 or 2 cups at the first sign of a headache.
• Use herbs such as chamomile, mint or rosemary to help you relax. While these herbs are not known to ease headaches, they will help you relax and recover from the pain of a tension headache.
• Try aromatherapy with herbs that smell strong and soothing. Use peppermint, eucalyptus, sandalwood and lavender. Burn candles that include these herbs and lay down with your eyes closed. Rub oils made from these herbs onto your temples and around your nostrils. You can also make a compress by combining lavender oil with water and soaking a washcloth in it. Press the washcloth to your head.
• Chromotherapy : Exposure to a narrow band of green light may reduce light sensitivity and headache severity.
• Eat cayenne pepper and other chilis. The capsaicin found in cayenne pepper has been found to interrupt the neurotransmitters that send painful sensations to the brain and cause cluster headaches.
• Oxygen Therapy
• Ge Gen Tang : A recent study published by Yale University found that it is effective for cluster headaches.

Warnings

See Headache

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7648820/
• https://headaches.org/2019/02/24/does-caffeine-trigger-or-treat-headaches/
• https://hms.harvard.edu/news/green-light-migraine-relief

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.