Relieve Headaches » cluster headaches

Relieving Cluster Headaches

rha — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 19:31:33 +0000

Cluster headaches affect approximately one in one thousand people and are among the most painful types of headaches.

cluster headache

The two types of cluster headaches include episodic and chronic. Episodic headaches are more prevalent, affecting over 90 percent of cluster headache sufferers. Episodic headaches can occur once or twice a day during periods of activity and then not at all for months or even years between bouts.

Sufferers of chronic cluster headaches have been known to have nine or more headaches in a day. The pain is located around the eye socket and temple and is so severe that the condition is considered a neurological disease since many chronic cluster headache sufferers eventually kill themselves.

The exact causes of cluster headaches are not known and therapies vary according to the patient. Over the counter medications often prove ineffectual so many cluster headache sufferers take any number of medications including ranging from inhaling pure oxygen, to taking beta-blockers and anti-depressants. Some more traditional methods that have worked include inhaling pure oxygen, caffeine, exercise, taking hot showers, and even sex.

The Use of Melatonin in the Treatment of Migraine Headaches

rha — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 00:34:34 +0000

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone that is produced by the pineal gland inside of the brain. There is increasing evidence that melatonin levels are related to migraine and cluster headaches. Synthetic melatonin is commonly used by people with sleeping disorders, such as insomnia, to help regulate their sleep cycles. Studies are currently under way to evaluate the efficacy of melatonin in the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches.

Although more research is required, early results are promising. In a study published in the August 2004 issue of Neurology, participants took just 3 mg of melatonin 30 minutes before bedtime for a period of 3 months. At the end of the study, 78% of participants reported a 50% decrease in headache frequency and 25% of participants reported no headaches at all during the study period.

If you are a migraine sufferer, then this may be an alternative therapy that is worth considering. Even though melatonin is available over the counter, you should always consult your doctor before beginning any new treatment.

Relieving Cluster Headaches with Capsaicin Cream

rha — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 23:59:59 +0000

Studies are currently under way to evaluate the efficacy of topical capsaicin in the prevention and relieve of cluster headaches. Capsaicin is the substance that makes chili peppers hot and in its purified form reduces certain types of pain when used over the course of a few weeks. It does this by depleting substance P, a neurochemical that transmits pain impulses to the brain.

Capsaicin cream is commonly used to treat muscle and joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and prutitis (itching) by applying to the skin. The treatment for cluster headaches involves applying the cream to the inside of the nose. This is, of course, incredibly uncomfortable to say the least. The fact that people would even consider this is attest to the intense pain that cluster headaches can cause.

The name brand, Zostrix is available over-the-counter. Please do not attempt to use intranasally without physician supervision.