A cluster headache begins as a severe, sudden headache. The headache most commonly strikes 2 to 3 hours after you fall asleep. However, the headache may occur while you are awake. The headache tends to occur at the same time of day.
The pain occurs on one side of the head. It may be described as:
Burning Sharp Steady
The pain may occur in, behind, and around one eye. It may:
Involve one side of the face from neck to temples Quickly get worse, peaking within 5 to 10 minutes
The strongest pain may last 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The eye and nose on the same side as the head pain may also be affected. Symptoms can include:
Swelling under or around the eye (may affect both eyes) Excessive tearing Red eye Rhinorrhea (runny nose) or one-sided stuffy nose (same side as the head pain) Red, flushed face
Cluster headaches may occur daily for months, alternating with periods without headaches (episodic), or they can recur for a year or more without stopping (chronic).
What are the symptoms of a cluster headache?
A cluster headache begins as a severe, sudden headache. The headache most commonly strikes 2 to 3 hours after you fall asleep. However, the headache may occur while you are awake. The headache tends to occur at the same time of day.
The pain occurs on one side of the head. It may be described as:
Burning Sharp Steady
The pain may occur in, behind, and around one eye. It may:
Involve one side of the face from neck to temples Quickly get worse, peaking within 5 to 10 minutes
The strongest pain may last 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The eye and nose on the same side as the head pain may also be affected. Symptoms can include:
Swelling under or around the eye (may affect both eyes) Excessive tearing Red eye {{NAME}} (runny nose) or one-sided stuffy nose (same side as the head pain) Red, flushed face
Cluster headaches may occur daily for months, alternating with periods without headaches (episodic), or they can recur for a year or more without stopping (chronic).