Cluster Headaches Flashcards
What are cluster headaches?
A chronic disorder in which individuals experience severe, headaches which occur in clusters
How often do individuals tend to experience cluster headaches?
The clusters persist for a period of 4 - 12 weeks
These individuals then experience a pain free period for 1 - 2 years
What are the three risk factors of cluster headaches?
Male Gender
Middle Aged, 30 – 50 Years Old
Smoking
What are the three triggers of cluster headaches?
Alcohol
Strong smells
Exercise
How often do cluster headache episodes tend to occur per day?
Up to 4 times per day
How long does each cluster headache episode last for?
15 minutes to 2 hours
What are the seven clinical features of cluster headaches?
Intense Sharp Stabbing Unilateral Eye Pain
Eye Redness
Eyelid Swelling
Miosis
Ptosis
Lacrimation
Nasal Discharge
What is miosis?
It is defined as pupil constriction
What is ptosis?
It is defined as eyelid drooping
What are the two key differences between a cluster headache and a migraine?
Cluster headache = eye clincial features and individuals are restless
Migraine = no eye clincial features and individuals find relief in lying down in a dark room
What is the gold standard investigation used to diagnose cluster headaches?
MRI brain with gadolinium contrast
What are the two acute management options of cluster headaches?
Oxygen Therapy
Triptans
How is oxygen therapy used to manage acute cluster headaches?
They are used to effectively abort the cluster headache attack
What oxygen therapy is administered to manage acute cluster headaches?
100% high flow oxygen with a non-rebreather mask and reservoir bag at the start of the attack for a period of fifteen minutes
This can be administered from home
How are triptans used to manage acute cluster headaches?
They can provide symptomatic relief of a cluster headache attack
