Treatment For Cluster Headaches
There is no one definitive treatment for cluster headaches. Some people find relief from certain medications, such as triptans or ergotamines. Other people find relief from oxygen therapy or nerve blocks. (7)
Home remedies
Although cluster headaches are a medical emergency and need immediate treatment, several home remedies are also proven effective to provide symptomatic relief. These may include;
Cold compress
Some people find relief from a cold compress applied to the forehead or temple. Some also find relief from using ice packs or cold water bottles. Cold compresses can help to reduce inflammation and pain. They work by constricting the blood vessels and slowing down the flow of blood to the area. This helps to decrease swelling and discomfort. In addition, cold compress can also help to numb the area and provide relief from pain.
Drink plenty of fluids
There is no one definitive answer to the question of whether drinking plenty of fluids can treat cluster headaches. Some people believe that it can help, while others say that there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. However, dehydration has been shown to trigger cluster headaches in some people, so drinking fluids may help to prevent them. In addition, staying hydrated can help to keep the body healthy and functioning properly, which may be beneficial for people with cluster headaches.
Caffeine
Caffeine has been shown to help reduce the number of cluster headaches an individual experiences. In fact, studies have found that up to 80% of people who suffer from cluster headaches find relief from caffeine. This may be because caffeine helps to open up the blood vessels in the head, which reduces pressure and pain. It may also be because caffeine has a sedative effect, which helps to calm the nerves and muscles that are causing pain.
Melatonin
One treatment option is melatonin, a hormone produced by the body that helps regulate sleep. Some clinical trails have shown that melatonin may be effective in relieving cluster headache symptoms. However, more research is needed to confirm this. If you are experiencing cluster headaches, talk to your doctor about whether melatonin might be a good option for you.
Capsaicin cream
Capsaicin cream is a topical cream that is made from chili peppers and found to be effective in treating cluster headaches. Capsaicin cream is applied to the skin on the forehead and around the eyes. It works by blocking pain signals from the nerves to the brain.
Magnesium
Magnesium can help reduce the intensity and frequency of cluster headache attacks. A study published in The Journal of Headache and Pain found that supplementing with magnesium reduced the number of cluster headaches participants experienced per month from 9 to 2.5 on average.
Deep breathing exercises
Deep breathing exercises may help to relieve symptoms. These exercises work by helping to release the built-up tension in the body. This can help to reduce the frequency and severity of cluster headaches. There are a number of different deep breathing exercises that can be used to treat cluster headaches, including pursed lip breathing and boxed breathing.
Kudzu extract
Kudzu extract may help to treat cluster headaches, according to a study published in the “Journal of Ethnopharmacology” in 2016. Cluster headaches occur in clusters, or groups, over a period of days, weeks, or months. They are often described as the most painful type of headache. The study found that kudzu extract was effective in reducing the number of cluster headaches and the length of attacks.
Essential Oils
These oils include lavender, peppermint, and chamomile. These oils can be applied to the temples, forehead, or neck. They can also be inhaled directly from the bottle or diffused into the air.
If you are suffering from cluster headaches, it is important to talk to your doctor before using Essential Oils. Some oils may not be safe for pregnant women or people with certain health conditions.
B-Complex Vitamin
One treatment option for cluster headaches is B-complex vitamin therapy. This involves taking high doses of B-complex vitamins daily to help prevent or reduce the severity of attacks. Some research suggests that B-complex vitamin therapy may be beneficial for people with cluster headaches, but more studies are needed to confirm this.
If you have cluster headaches, talk to your doctor about whether B-complex vitamin therapy might be right for you.
Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is a nutrient that helps produce energy in the body’s cells. It has been shown to be helpful for people with cluster headaches, either when taken preventatively or when used to treat an attack. CoQ10 seems to work by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain. It is safe and well tolerated, and may be a good option for people who have not found relief from other home remedies or treatments.