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February 9, 2012
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Cluster Headache (cont.)

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When to Seek Medical Care

Ideally, you will be under the care of a doctor familiar with this type of headache-a neurologist, a pain physician, or a family doctor with special training with this type of headache.

  • You and the doctor will work out a plan so you will know which types of pain you can deal with safely at home, which require a call to the doctor, and which require an immediate trip to a hospital's emergency department.

  • You should always bear in mind, however, that these headaches can be excruciating, and your doctor always will be there to help you.

  • Notify the doctor when you get a severe headache that is not of the same type as the ones you are used to experiencing.

  • Call your doctor if you develop a new side effect from the medications you are taking.

  • If you have not ever had headaches, or have never seen a doctor for headaches, and have a sudden, severe headache, you should call your doctor or go to a hospital's emergency department.

Seek immediate medical attention or go to a hospital's emergency department under the following circumstances:

  • When your current medication does not control the pain and you need immediate relief

  • When your pain prevents eating and drinking and you become at significant risk of malnutrition or dehydration

  • When you experience profound side effects from your medication such as severe drowsiness, sedation, and nausea and vomiting

  • When a doctor advises you to seek evaluation and treatment for any of these problems

  • When you have a change in the severity or increased frequency of headaches, or a headache that feels different from any previous headaches

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Cluster Headache - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What symptoms do you experience with your cluster headaches?

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Read What Your Physician is Reading on Medscape

Cluster Headache »

Cluster headache (CH) is an idiopathic syndrome consisting of recurrent brief attacks of sudden, severe, unilateral periorbital pain.

Read More on Medscape Reference »

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