Cluster

Cluster services offered in South Miami, FL

Cluster headaches cause intense, one-sided pain that can be jarring. At Miami Headache & Pain Clinic in South Miami, Florida, triple-board-certified neurologist Awss Zidan, MD, provides personalized care for cluster headaches. His emphasis on finding the root cause of your headaches offers a path toward lasting headache pain relief. Call the office today or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.

What are cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches are rare and painful. They usually affect one side of your head and last for 15 minutes to several hours. While cluster headache pain may feel debilitating at the moment, it can be months before you suffer another attack.

How can I tell if I’m getting a cluster headache?

Cluster headaches don’t always have warning signs. They often feel like they happen spontaneously, but some symptoms can help you identify them, including:

Sudden head pain (sharp, stabbing, or burning)
Nasal congestion
Sweating
Watery eyes
Red eyes
Drooping eyelid

A cluster headache typically begins behind your eye (orbital), near your forehead (supraorbital), or behind your ear (temporal).

What causes cluster headaches?

The exact cause of cluster headaches is unknown, but certain factors can trigger them, including:

Heat
Nitrates, often found in preserved meats
Bright lights
Medications (statins, hormonal birth control, blood pressure medications, etc.)
Alcohol
Tobacco
Stress

Cluster headaches are also more common during seasonal changes, especially when the amount of sunlight you’re exposed to varies.

When do cluster headaches typically begin?

While cluster headaches can begin at any age, they’re most common in people aged 20-40. They usually start before you reach middle age and tend to run in families. Men are more likely to suffer from them than women.

How are cluster headaches diagnosed?

Dr. Zidan conducts a thorough assessment to diagnose cluster headaches. He may ask you to keep a journal to determine what triggers your headaches, how frequently they occur, and how long each attack lasts. This evaluation may include tracking what you eat, activities you participate in, and your sleep habits.

What are the treatments for cluster headaches?

Dr. Zidan can develop your personalized treatment plan after your comprehensive evaluation at Miami Headache & Pain Clinic. His whole-body approach includes a range of medications, lifestyle changes, and other interventions, such as:

Headache abortive therapies
Preventive medications
Diet changes
Activity modification
Stress management techniques
Supplements

Waiting to seek help for cluster headaches leaves you unprepared for the next attack. Call Miami Headache & Pain Clinic or schedule an appointment online to get the help you need.