About Us | Privacy | Site Map
May 19, 2013
Font Size
A
A
A
«Previous
1
...
3
4
5
6
7
...
Next»

Cluster Headache (cont.)

Medical Author:
Edward Lubin, MD, PhD
Medical Editor:
Joseph Carcione Jr, DO, MBA
Medical Editor:
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD
Medical Editor:
James H Halsey, MD

Exams and Tests

  • Your doctor must rule out a variety of other causes of facial pain besides cluster headache, including the following unusual forms of headache and facial pain.


  • Your first experience of a severe explosive headache may be a warning of subarachnoid hemorrhage or bleeding in your head or brain. This is a neurological emergency that doctors are at the ready to treat.

  • A severe headache also can be a warning of a brain tumor or infection in your head. Both these conditions are rare, but because they are life threatening, your doctor will want to rule these out first.

  • Physical examination of your head will help define other possible causes of this painful syndrome. Physical findings in people with cluster headache between attacks are usually normal. During headache attacks, these symptoms may occur:

    • Eye tearing

    • Pupil of the eye narrows

    • Lack of sweating over one-half of your face

    • Nasal stuffiness

    • Facial and eye redness

  • A doctor should complete an initial examination of your nerve response. But doctors reserve more extensive testing, such as a CT scan or MRI, for people in whom they suspect a more serious condition:

    • Skull or brain tumor

    • Infection

    • Neurological condition

    • A doctor may also advise you that a lumbar puncture ("spinal tap") is needed. This may help to establish if the cause of the headache is from an infection, or from bleeding in or around your brain.

Must Read Articles Related to Cluster Headache

Cluster Headache FAQs
Cluster Headache FAQs Acute angle-closure glaucoma is caused by a rapid or sudden increase in pressure inside the eye, called intraocular pressure (IOP). In angle-closure glaucoma, t...learn more >>
Migraine and Cluster Headache Medications
Migraine and Cluster Headache Medications Migraines are headaches that most likely stem from problems with blood vessels in the head. Migraine headaches typically last from 4-72 hours. They may happen a...learn more >>
Headache (Mild)
Mild Headache Mild headaches are common but usually do not represent a serious illness. They result from irritation or injury to pain-sensing structures of the head. Symptoms...learn more >>
See the Entire Cluster Headache Topic Guide »
Print

Viewer Comments & Reviews

Cluster Headache - Symptoms

The eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:

What symptoms do you experience with your cluster headaches?

View 12 Comments | Submit Your Comment
Print
Privacy Policy

Living Better

Find the secrets to longer life.

Please acknowledge your agreement




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 »


Featured Topics

Topics Related to Cluster Headache

Headache & Migraine Topics

Vitamins Related To Cluster Headache

Medical Dictionary


or A-Z List
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies