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- $Unique_ID{BRK00158}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{How is a Cluster Headache Different from a Migraine?}
- $Subject{headaches cluster migraine Circulatory System headache migraines
- vascular frontotemporal throbbing head ache aches cerebrovascular brain}
- $Volume{G-1}
- $Log{
- Cluster Headaches*0003905.scf
- Classic Migraine Headaches*0003902.scf
- Common Migraine Headaches*0003903.scf
- Where Headaches Originate II*0004002.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- How is a Cluster Headache Different from a Migraine?
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- QUESTION: I am a chronic headache sufferer and they come frequently and are
- very severe. My girlfriend read an article, that she said sounded like me,
- about cluster headaches. What makes a cluster headache different from
- migraines?
-
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-
- ANSWER: Cluster headaches can be distinguished from migraines by their
- duration, the location of the pain, associated symptoms, precipitating
- factors, and the behavior of the patient during an attack. Though confused
- with migraines, cluster headaches are uncommon vascular headaches which occur
- in episodes or "clusters" that last from six to twelve weeks. The pain,
- lasting from 30 minutes to two hours, tends to be excruciating. Though the
- origin of the condition is not certain, studies suggest a possible link to
- alcohol since attacks frequently follow its consumption. Peptic ulcer disease
- and a high sensitivity to histamine are also common among patients, indicating
- a possible connection there as well.
- To avoid confusion between cluster headaches and migraines, various
- distinguishing factors have been observed. Cluster headaches usually effect
- young men, with one to three painfully intense episodes a day which last up to
- two hours. The pain is drilling in nature, most intense behind the eyes and
- temples, and is usually accompanied by nasal congestion. Attacks occur most
- frequently at night and the intensity usually causes the patient to pace
- during the attack.
- Migraines, on the other hand, occur more frequently amongst women and
- affect a larger age span. The attacks are less frequent, and the pain, which
- is frontotemporal and throbbing in nature, is somewhat less severe. The
- duration, however, is longer, lasting from four hours to two days. As a rule,
- no nasal congestion is present, and patients are more likely to lie down or
- sleep during an attack.
- While this may help you understand the difference between the two, it
- will take a personal visit to your family doctor to help clarify your
- diagnosis and establish the proper course of treatment in your case.
-
- ----------------
-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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-