Cluster headaches are known to be one of the most painful conditions someone can experience, often called the “suicide headache” due to their severity. These excruciating headaches occur in cycles, or “clusters,” lasting weeks or months, followed by periods of remission. Unlike migraines, they usually come on suddenly, often at the same time each day, and are characterized by intense pain on one side of the head, often around the eye.
If you live with these intense, recurring attacks, you know how challenging it can be to manage day-to-day life. While there’s no cure for cluster headache, there are strategies that can help ease the burden and improve your quality of life. Here are some practical tips to help you navigate life with cluster headaches.
Understand Your Triggers
While the exact cause of cluster headache isn’t fully understood, certain triggers can spark an attack. Common triggers include:
- Alcohol, particularly during a cluster period.
- Strong smells like gasoline, perfumes, or cleaning products.
- Changes in sleep patterns or not getting enough rest.
Keeping a headache diary can help you identify and avoid these triggers. Note the time, duration, and potential triggers for each attack to recognize patterns over time.
Create a Headache Toolkit
Cluster headache often strikes suddenly, so having a go-to toolkit can help you manage attacks quickly. Consider including:
- Cold or hot packs: Some people find relief by applying an ice pack or heating pad to their head or neck.
- Oxygen therapy: High-flow oxygen can sometimes reduce the intensity of a cluster attack. Talk to your health care provider to see if an oxygen tank might be a good option for you.
- Vagus nerve stimulation: Non-invasive devices that stimulate the vagus nerve can be a valuable addition to your toolkit. These devices are portable, drug-free, and are designed to relieve pain during an attack or prevent future episodes. (Keep reading for more information on treating cluster headache with a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator.)
Prioritize Sleep Hygiene
Poor sleep habits have been known to trigger cluster headache attacks, so maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is crucial. Here are a few things to keep in mind to set yourself up for a good night’s rest:
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time daily, even on weekends.
- Create a calming bedtime routine, such as dimming the lights or meditating.
- Avoid screens and caffeine in the hours leading up to bedtime.
Build a Support Network
Cluster headache sufferers may feel isolated, but you’re not alone. Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can be a significant source of comfort. Look for:
- Online forums or support groups dedicated to cluster headache sufferers.
- Local headache or chronic pain support groups.
- Mental health professionals who can help you cope with the emotional toll of the condition.
Work with a Headache Specialist
Not all doctors are familiar with the nuances of cluster headaches because they’re not as common as migraines. A neurologist or headache specialist can guide you on tailored treatment options, such as medications, nerve blocks, or innovative therapies like non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation.
Focus on Prevention
Preventing cluster headache can reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks, which can be life-changing. Some strategies include:
- Taking prescribed medications during a cluster period to prevent attacks.
- Practicing stress-reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Using preventive treatments like the gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS), a handheld device clinically proven to reduce cluster headache frequency.
gammaCore nVNS for Cluster Headache Relief
gammaCore uses gentle electrical stimulation to target the vagus nerve through the skin on the side of the neck, which blocks the pain signals associated with cluster headache without the need for drugs or surgery. Available with a prescription, gammaCore can be used to relieve pain during an attack while also preventing future cluster headache episodes when used twice daily. The device is quick, easy to use, and portable, enabling you to take control of your headaches wherever you are.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
