Than have another headache!
I’ve always thought I suffered from migraines. Turns out they are actually cluster headaches.
There are many similarities and quite a few differences between the two types of headaches. Both are nasty, nasty things that shouldn’t be inflicted on anyone, not even your worst enemy! Fact!
Here are a few of the similarities and differences between migraines and cluster headaches.
- Both types usually occur on one side of the head only.
- Clusters are usually on the same side of the head every time while migraines can and do alternate sides.
- Migraines are usually throbbing pains while clusters are sharp, continuous pain.
- Migraines are more common in women while clusters are more common in men.
- Migraines can last up to 3 days.
- Clusters usually last only a few hours but will recur every few days for days/weeks/months at a time, hence the term cluster.
- Migraines can start suddenly or gradually and decrease gradually.
- Clusters start and decrease suddenly.
- Migraine sufferers need to keep still while cluster sufferers are often agitated and need to walk or rock themselves.
- Migraine sufferers often feel nauseous and are light and sound sensitive where cluster sufferers seldom feel nauseous and don’t usually have an aversion to light or sound.
- Both types of headaches are debilitating.
- Both types of headaches are treated with Rizatriptan (Maxalt).
- Both types of headaches suck huge, fat, ugly donkey balls!
I was doing some research on cluster headaches (thank you Dr Google) and came across the following gems:
The term “headache” does not adequately convey the severity of the condition; the disease may be the most painful condition known to medical science – Matharu M, Goadsby P (2001). “Cluster Headache”. Practical Neurology
Patients often describe their pain as stabbing, sharp, burning and penetrating; as if a hot poker had been plunged into one of their eyes. – Christian Nordqvist, Medical News Today
Quite a few sites state that an alternate name for cluster headaches is the suicide headache.
Like I said, I would rather chew glass!
I get the odd migraine complete with light sensitivity, sound sensitivity, flickering lights in front of my eyes and terrible nausea. Hate it! I have so much sympathy for you
Ooh ouch! You have all my sympathy. My ex used to get cluster headaches and I had to take him to the hospital in the middle of the night for pain shots on many occasions.
Sheesh… It sounds too dreadful!
When my knucklehead was a little boy, I occasionally got headaches that literally throbbed. It felt like an Alice-band of pain across the top of my head and the only thing that helped was a cold compress over my eyes, as many painkillers as I could get my hands on, and not moving- not even my eyes.
It was usually only unbearable for a few hours, not days, and I haven’t had one in many years… Touch wood!