Cluster Headaches are severe, one sided headaches that generally occur in cyclical patterns. The pattern usually varies from one individual to another. The condition is more common in males as compared to females.
Such headaches are usually rarer but more painful than Migraine Headaches.
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Plus, Cluster Headaches generally occur more suddenly and last for longer durations. Cluster Headaches are not life threatening but are quite debilitating. The condition can be cured with the help of several over the counter preventatives (not the usual pain medications) as well as natural remedies.
The Cluster Headaches home treatment consists of a number of natural home remedies for Cluster Headaches that help to heal such headaches. The natural treatment for Cluster Headaches is also beneficial in avoiding Cluster Headaches to some extent by reducing the frequency of such headaches. It has been observed that most of the cases of Cluster Headaches occur on a seasonal basis.
Causes of Cluster Headaches
Though the exact cause of Cluster Headaches is not known, still it is believed that such headaches are caused due to contraction and expansion of blood vessels present in the scalp.
Hence, they are believed to be the result of hereditary factors and neurological reasons. Certain studies have also suggested a positive correlation between Cluster Headaches and Sleep Apnea.
Sudden release of histamine or serotonin in the body due to excessive smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, high altitudes, bright lights and certain types of foods have been known to trigger Cluster Headaches. In most of the cases, the pain seems to begin two to three hours after falling asleep.
Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
Cluster Headache pain has often been described as excruciating, sharp or throbbing pain. More often than not, the pain occurs on one side of the head (unilateral) for about half an hour to three hours at a stretch. Gradually, the pain tends to radiate to other areas like the face or back of the head.
Additional symptoms like swelling around the eyes, excessive tearing, runny nose, sweating, restlessness, facial flushing etc. At times, Migraine-like symptoms such as nausea and increased sensitivity to light and sound may also be present.
Periods characterized by Cluster Headaches may last from weeks to months with about one to six or eight bouts of headache in a day. Cluster Headaches are often referred to as “alarm clock headaches” as they tend to occur at the same time each day.
In the chronic condition of this disease, the Cluster Headaches may last for at least a year with remission period of two weeks or even less. During the remission periods, the headaches tend to stop almost completely.
Natural Home Remedies for Cluster Headaches
- Alternative therapies such as acupressure, acupuncture, aromatherapy, yoga, meditation etc are some excellent Cluster Headaches home remedies.
- Because of their relaxing and soothing these home remedies are useful in reducing and managing Cluster Headaches as well as other problems like stress, anxiety, restlessness etc.
- Herbs like ginko biloba, cayenne and guarana are highly beneficial natural cures for dealing with Cluster Headaches in a natural way.
- Taking feverfew tincture, capsules or simply chewing feverfew leaves is one of the most valuable natural home remedies for Cluster Headaches. For best results, take this home remedy on a regular basis.
- Regular exercise is also a highly recommended Cluster Headaches natural remedy that goes a long way in getting rid of this problem. However, do not overdo it.
Apart from these Cluster Headaches home remedies, adopt some dietary and lifestyle changes as well to cure Cluster Headaches naturally at home.
Inclusion of magnesium rich foods like banana, pumpkin, spinach, legumes, Brazil nuts, almonds, peanuts and other such foods in the diet is believed to reduce and relieve Cluster Headaches to a great extent. Taking magnesium supplements is also useful in this regard.
Moreover, preventive measures focusing on avoiding Cluster Headaches as far as possible emphasize on staying away from cigarette smoking, coffee and alcohol consumption, tobacco abuse, toxic fumes and foods rich in nitrates (for instance, smoked or processed meats, especially bacon). Besides, try to stick to a regular sleep schedule.
This writer has obviously never met anyone with Cluster Headaches. There are not any home remedies that "cure" these attacks. I truly hope no one suffering from clusters has been mislead by this. Cluster Headaches are often called "Suicide Headaches," because so many patients take their own lives during an attack. But, by all means, try cayenne and see what it can do. Anyone reading this that has Cluster Headaches should be using 100% high-flow oxygen through a non-rebreather oxygen mask as an abortive. It has zero side effects, and is the most effective treatment for these attacks. There is no cure for this condition, but it can be managed.
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