What Happens If You Have a Lot of Headaches?
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Cluster Headaches
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The occurrence of a lot of headaches or continuous, steady headaches is known as cluster headaches. Cluster headaches can be severe and painful, though they are generally not the cause of more serious illnesses. They can occur in periods of weeks and months. There are remission periods in which the clusters go away before they return again. Cluster headaches can vary from person to person. Some clusters occur in one or two periods a year, while remissions can last months or even years in some cases.
How Common are Cluster Headaches?
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Cluster headaches are actually rather rare and are generally non life threatening. They are more common in men than women. Possible causes for cluster headaches are the use of medications, such as nitroglycerin, excessive smoking, interrupted sleep patterns or problems with the hypothalamus. Other possible causes can be related to an abrupt release of histamine or serotonin in the brain, bright light or glares, stress and the consumption of certain foods.
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What Occurs During Cluster Headaches?
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Cluster headaches occur quite suddenly, causing pain behind or around one eye and one side of the face from the neck to the temple. The pain is often described as being sharp, steady and severe. As time goes on, the pain worsens, often peaking within the first 5 or 10 minutes of onset. A person suffering from cluster headaches experiences red and swollen eyes, excessive tearing, runny nose and, in some people, a red, flushed face. The headaches can generally last as long between 45 to 90 minutes, though sometimes they can last only a few minutes or for several hours. They typically occur at least 2 or 3 hours after sleep, or usually during R.E.M. or dreaming phase.
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