Preventing cluster headaches
Some medicines are used which aim to prevent cluster headaches. You may be advised to take one of these medicines. If used, they are taken every day throughout a cluster (and then stopped when the cluster is over). You may be advised to take one long-term if you have chronic cluster headaches. It is difficult to say exactly how good they work at reducing the frequency and/or severity of headaches. This is because there is a lack of large research trials which have studied these treatments. However, smaller research studies have shown encouraging results. Briefly:
- Verapamil is the most commonly used treatment. It is a medicine that is normally used to treat heart problems. It is not clear how it works for cluster headaches. The doses used are often higher than those used for heart problems, and you may need heart tests such as ECG before increasing to high doses.
- Lithium is sometimes used. This medicine is commonly used to treat manic-depression. Again, it is not clear how it may help cluster headaches. You need regular blood checks to measure the level of lithium in the blood to make sure the dose is correct.
- Methysergide is used to prevent migraine and cluster headaches. You should not take it for more than six months as there is a risk of possible serious side-effects.
- A steroid medicine may be given at the beginning of a cluster. This may help quickly to prevent further headaches, but you should not take it long-term due to side-effects. In some cases, a steroid medicine is started at the same time as one of the above medicines, but stopped after a week or so when the effect of the other medicine has built up.
- Various other medicines are sometimes used. Also, research continues to find better treatments for this very painful condition.
Further help and advice
OUCH (UK) - Organisation For The Understanding Of Cluster Headaches
Pyramid House, 956 High Road, London N12 9RX
Helpline: 01646 651 979 Web: www.ouchuk.org.
References
* British Association for the Study of Headache (2007) Guidelines for All Healthcare Professionals in the Diagnosis and Management of Migraine, Tension-Type, Cluster and Medication-Overuse Headache; Full Guidance as PDF
* Headache, PRODIGY (2005)
* Treatment guidelines for cluster headache, Migraine In Primary Care Advisors (2004)
Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS and PiP have used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.
© EMIS and PiP 2007 Updated: 29 Jul 2007 DocID: 4870 Version: 38
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