Cluster headachesandmigrainesare complex headache disorders associated with significant and sometimes alarming symptoms, although they are not dangerous.
This article will review the essential differences between cluster headaches and migraines.
It will also provide insight into seeking care for a severe headache.
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Restlessness and agitation typically accompany cluster headaches.
The pain is throbbing or pounding, typically worsened by regular physical activity.
What Is an Aura?
They also occur incycles.
Unlike cluster headaches,migraineis not generally a cyclical disorder.
One classic exception ismenstrual migraine,which develops around the time of a person’s menstrual period.
It stems from the sudden drop in estrogen levels just before menstrual flow.
People withchronic migraineshave at least 15 migraine attacks per month.
Duration
Cluster headachesare short and intense.
They last from 15 minutes to three hours, averaging 45 to 90 minutes.
Effect on Quality of Life
Cluster headaches are excruciating and associated with a decreased quality of life.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.
Overlapping but Different Causes
Experts aren’t sure of the exact cause ofcluster headaches.
In addition, various triggers, namely alcohol and strong odors, can trigger cluster headache attacks.
Similarly, the trigeminal nerve is also involved inmigraineattacks.
Likewise, alcohol and strong odors are among the triggers that can precipitate a migraine attack.
Unlike cluster headaches, which do not tend to run in families, genetics significantly contributes to migraine development.
Who Gets Cluster Headaches vs. Migraines?
(Note that the terms for sex or gender in this article are taken from the sources cited.)
They can occur at any age but rarely develop in children.
Interestingly, people who smoke are at a higher risk for developing cluster headache disorder.
Unlike cluster headaches, migraines are more commontwofold to threefoldin females vs. males.
They also occur in 3% to 10% of children and adolescents.
However, combined with medication, various home remedies can help soothe such headaches.
The primary abortive therapies for cluster headaches are home oxygen therapy and a medication class called triptans.
Oxygen is safe, well-tolerated, and very effective in aborting cluster headaches.
Cluster headaches are short-lived, stabbing, excruciating, and strictly one-sided.
A typical migraine attack may last days and involves four phasesprodrome, aura, headache, and postdrome.
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