Cluster headaches are a rare form of headaches that are marked by a debilitating one-sided pain. Cluster headaches derive their name from their occurrence in groups (clusters). They are also known as “suicide headaches,” owing to their reputation of rendering the suffering individual drained and exhausted after an attack.
However, neurologists like Dr. James Berheimer who is also certified in Clinical Neurophysiology, and has been working in the field for nearly two decades, consider this condition to be largely “non-threatening” as it does not result in any long-term health complications. Involve the trigeminal nerve of the face. The hallmark symptom of a cluster headache is a deep, burning pain around on eye (the site of the trigeminal nerve). This period of intense pain is the attack that can occur several times throughout the day/week(s)/month(s), hence the name cluster.[1] Tend to occur five to six times more in men than women and are most common between the ages of 20 and 40.
Affect approximately 0.1 percent of the population. These headaches can be familial and have an autosomal dominant genetic basis in some cases. This claim is further supported by Dr. Bernheimer, who has served as Medical Director of the Stroke Program at Mercy Medical Center and Greater Baltimore Medical Center. According to Dr. Bernheimer, “There is a genetic component to cluster headache, and often there will be a family history of migraine as well.” Cluster headaches are different than migraines both in the intensity of symptoms and frequency of occurrences…..Read more
