Cluster Headache Treatment

Understanding Cluster Headaches

At Belaga Med, we understand that cluster headaches are a severe, debilitating condition that can significantly impact your quality of life.

These headaches occur in cyclical patterns or cluster periods and are among the most painful types of headaches.

Often described as a burning or piercing sensation, cluster headaches typically affect one side of the head and can occur multiple times a day.

“From my experience, personal connections and continuous care are the most important things. Therefore I always take the time to get to know my patients.”

Dr. Belaga

Comprehensive Cluster Headache Treatment At Our Headache Clinic

Symptoms of Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are characterized by intense pain around one eye or one side of the head. At Belaga Med, we look for the following common symptoms to diagnose cluster headaches:

Severe Pain: Concentrated around one eye, possibly radiating to other parts of the face, head, neck, and shoulders.
Restlessness: Individuals often experience agitation and find it difficult to stay still during an attack.
Redness and Tearing: The affected eye may become red, teary, and swollen.
Nasal Congestion: Many report nasal congestion or a runny nose on the same side as the headache.
Sweating and Flushing: The forehead or face may sweat or flush during an attack.

Causes of Cluster Headaches

While the exact cause of cluster headaches is not fully understood, at Belaga Med, we recognize the involvement of abnormalities in the hypothalamus. Potential triggers include:

Alcohol: Consuming alcohol can trigger a cluster headache during a cluster period.
Tobacco: Smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke can provoke an attack.
Strong Smells: Perfumes, solvents, and strong odors can also trigger headaches.
Seasonal Changes: Changes in seasons may influence the occurrence of cluster headaches.

Diagnosing Cluster Headaches

At Belaga Med, diagnosing cluster headaches involves a detailed medical history and physical examination. We may perform imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to rule out other conditions that could cause similar symptoms.

Treatment Options for Cluster Headaches

Treating cluster headaches involves both acute treatments to relieve pain and preventive treatments to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks. At Belaga Med, we offer the following treatment options:

Acute Treatments

Oxygen Therapy: Inhaling pure oxygen through a mask can provide rapid relief.
Triptans: Medications such as sumatriptan can be effective if taken as soon as an attack begins.
Local Anesthetics: Numbing agents like lidocaine can be applied to the nasal passages to relieve pain.

Preventive Treatments

Calcium Channel Blockers: Medications such as verapamil can help prevent cluster headaches.
Corticosteroids: Short-term use of prednisone can reduce inflammation and prevent attacks.
Lithium: Used in certain cases to stabilize mood and prevent headaches.
Nerve Blocks: Injections of anesthetics and steroids near the occipital nerve can prevent cluster headaches.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Certain lifestyle changes can help manage cluster headaches. At Belaga Med, we recommend:

Regular Sleep Schedule: Maintaining a consistent sleep routine can reduce the likelihood of attacks.
Avoid Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as alcohol and tobacco, can help prevent headaches.
Stress Management: Practicing relaxation techniques and managing stress can also be beneficial.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience sudden, severe headaches or a change in the pattern of your headaches, seek medical attention promptly. Effective management and treatment of cluster headaches can significantly improve your quality of life.

For more information, consider consulting resources such as the National Headache Foundation or the American Headache Society.

If you’re struggling with cluster headaches, the specialists at Belaga Med are here to help. Contact us today to discuss your treatment options and start your journey toward relief.

FAQs about Cluster Headache Treatment

Q: Can cluster headaches be cured?
A: There is currently no cure for cluster headaches, but treatments are available to manage and reduce the frequency of attacks.

Q: How long do cluster periods last?
A: Cluster periods can last from weeks to months, followed by remission periods where headaches stop completely.

Q: Can lifestyle changes help with cluster headaches?
A: Yes, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding known triggers, and managing stress can help reduce the frequency of cluster headaches.

Words From Our Patients

     Excellent  
     Based on 12 reviews 
    
 
 
   
 
 
        
   Yev Roberts 
 2023-08-11
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I recommend paying a visit to Dr. Belaga, my concern was addressed and he made sure I have the right treatment plan. I can tell he is really passionate about his work, punctual with appointments and easy to reach with any follow up questions.
  
 
       
   Chang Liu 
 2023-02-06
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m grateful to have met Dr Belaga and his staff on my migraine journey. He’s simply one of the most helpful, efficient and compassionate doctors I’ve ever met. With Dr Belaga’s advice and help, I was able to try different types of migraine treatments and found what worked for me. More importantly, I really feel like he’s advocating for me and doing whatever it takes to help me, including fighting with insurance. His staff are also extremely kind, flexible and responsive. I highly recommend this office for anyone seeking migraine prevention and relief.
  
 
       
   Sandy Rowley 
 2021-03-05
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So very thankful to of found Dr. Belaga. He answered all of my questions,  treated me with respect and came up with a workable solution. Highly recommend this Neurologist.
  
 
       
   Nicole Rugg 
 2019-03-06
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Belaga listened to my concerns and found something that other doctors had missed because of this.  He is kind and overall an amazing doctor. I would recommend him to anyone
  
 
       
   Evan G 
 2018-03-19
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 12 years of migraines vs Dr. Belaga, and Dr. Belaga won. I suffered from jaw/neck/headache/migraine issues for years and was truly hopeless. I've been to Belaga's office a few times for adjustments and he *always* makes time to see me ASAP. I am in good hands and wish that I had found him sooner. If you are suffering from migraines, you don't have to anymore.
  
 
       
   Joseph West 
 2017-10-27
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Belaga has helped me and is Super! Number one. Very pleasant and also an Ambasador for Neorology world wide.
  
 
       
   Keara Scott 
 2017-09-17
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr Belaga is a wonderful, caring neurologist and his staff is lovely and always accommodating. He has taken great care of me and my aching head for years. Thank you, Dr B!
  
 
       
   0 SAD1 
 2017-02-25
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing doctor. Caring and compassionate. Staff are all great and really helpful. Office location is well appointed and has parking available free of charge. Highly recommended. I've seen him for almost 10 years.

After 3 1/2 years of finding no relief from my headaches and after many scans, various doctor's appointments, physical therapy, food diaries, mattress/pillow modifications and exercise, a friend received an advertisement from Dr. Belaga's office and passed it along to me. He was my last hope, I wanted to give up. I called, made the appointment and was greeted by friendly staff and a caring and compassionate doctor. He listened intently and determined where my headaches where coming from and gave me Botox shots in the shoulder, neck and forehead. Within days I could see light at the end of the tunnel, relief was on it way. HEADACHES vanished!!! He set up a treatment plan to see him every 3 months for additional shots in the same area. This was my second visit and what a blessing.. Thank you Dr. Belaga for being there when I needed you.

Kathryn R, Benicia, CA"I would be remiss if I didn't take time out of my schedule to acknowledge the great care I have been receiving from Dr. Gary Belaga."

I have suffered from migraines since childhood and promise you, have sought treatment from THE BEST headache specialists in this country. There is nothing I haven't tried, except Botox. My headache specialist in PA, told me to give it a whirl. I found Dr. Belaga, and immediately LOVED him. Not only is he a skilled Neurologist, but he is articulate, understands the sensitive nature of this disease state (doesn't think we are crazy and should just go for a psych evaluation), and has a bedside manner that most MD's could learn from!

Blake C., San Francisco, CA"Fantastic! Dr. Belaga is a miracle migraine worker."