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Cluster headaches are associated with dilation (widening) of blood vessels and inflammation of nerves behind the eye. (Cluster attacks often follow the seasonal increase in warmth and light, beginning in summer and ending in the fall.). Fortunately, only a small percentage of CH cases complain of the chronic form. Chronic CH is distinguished by its lack of a remission period lasting more than 14 days, or the absence of a remission period for more than one year.
The telltale signs of a cluster headache are distinct yet remarkably similar among CH sufferers everywhere. In addition to their pain, they have incurred great frustration in seeking answers to their little-known condition, as well as untold expense, and have been subjected to a number of inappropriate treatments.
Ergotamine. Dihydroergotamine (DHE) injections have stopped cluster attacks within five minutes in many patients. Ergotamine aerosols or ergotamine suppositories with caffeine may be useful. When using the aerosol the patient usually inhales two or three times. It has serious side effects, however, and can be used only for brief periods, generally for the length of a cluster period.
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