Understanding the Difference
At Bend Headache Center, we’re dedicated to alleviating the pain experienced by patients from cluster headaches and migraines. With 70% of headaches being misdiagnosed, it’s crucial to understand the differences between these conditions to provide the correct treatment.
The Anatomy of a Cluster Headache
In the grand orchestra of the human body, the betrayal by your own nervous system plays a deeply agonizing symphony. Cluster headaches, dubbed as ‘alarm clock headaches,’ are one such cruel conductor of pain. These headaches are characterized by an intense, piercing pain, commonly localized around the eye or the temple.
Cluster headaches are known for their punctuality, often occurring at the same time each day, and even respecting the changing seasons. The cluster headache, the rarer cousin of the common headache, affects less than 1% of the population. These devastating episodes of pain can sneak up on you multiple times a day. On the bright side, they usually last for a relatively shorter duration than migraines — from 15 minutes up to three hours.
Symptoms of cluster headaches include:
- Excruciating pain, usually on one side of the head.
- Pain often localized around one eye.
- Tearing.
- Nasal congestion on the affected side.
- Restlessness and agitation.
The Anatomy of a Migraine
Meanwhile, migraines bring an agony of their own. Recognized as the third most common illness globally, migraines can be severely disabling, requiring patients to seek urgent medical assistance. The root cause of migraines is yet to be identified, although the consensus leans towards a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
Usually unilateral, the pain of a migraine can be a throbbing, pulsating pressure that grows in intensity, ranging from moderate to severe. Migraine episodes can last anywhere from 4 to 72 hours.
Common symptoms of migraines include:
- Throbbing pain on one side of the head.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sensitivity to light, sound, and sometimes smells.
- Visual disturbances or aura.
Treatment: Alleviating the Pain
At Bend Headache Center, our treatment approach prioritizes understanding the exact type of headache a patient is experiencing before providing treatment. Our non-surgical, drug-free solutions aim to tackle the root cause of these conditions rather than merely masking the symptoms.
Whether it’s the sharp torment of cluster headaches or the throbbing misery of migraines, we’re here to go beyond the pain and illuminate the path to genuine relief.
A Glimpse of Hope
Unrelenting headaches can be a dark cloud, affecting your personal and professional life. But with the right guidance from our team at Bend Headache Center, you can take back control and find hope in the journey to relief.
