Cluster headaches can be a difficult topic to discuss with family and friends as they have conventional migraines. However, it is important to differentiate cluster headaches from other types of head pain in order for your loved one to understand you better and offer necessary support.
Cluster headaches are one of the most severe types of headaches. They cause an intense and unbearable pain behind one of your eyes, and may spread to your other eye, temple, or side of your face. These headaches can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours, and can happen in “clusters” of episodes for weeks or even months.
Additionally, cluster headaches can also cause other symptoms such as a drooping eyelid, teary eyes, runny nose, and even pupil constriction. Sufferers may also feel restlessness, agitation, and nausea. Migraine sufferers may be familiar with some of these symptoms, but not all.
Offer Empathy and Understanding
The first thing that is important when discussing cluster headaches with your loved one is to show empathy. Communicate your understanding that even if they cannot physically feel your pain, they can still offer emotional support and understanding. Make sure to establish that you are still relatively OK even when you experience these headaches—and may also take the opportunity to explain the chances of developing asthma, heartburn, and stomach disorders as well.
Explain the Impact on Your Everyday Life
It is important to communicate with a loved one how much these headaches affect your everyday activities. Cluster headaches can be so severe that you are unable to carry out normal activities, contribute to a typical day at work, or even go out with friends. Due to their timing, they can also make it difficult to socialize.
Explain to your loved one how they have to interrupt your nighttime sleep and place a significant strain on your physical, emotional, and mental health. Also, highlight potential side effects that may be associated with medications you are using to manage these headaches, and how these might be affecting your mood, concentration, and energy levels.
Let Them Know What Triggers Your Attacks
Once the severity and impact of cluster headaches have been established, it might be useful to elucidate what triggers these attacks to occur. It seems that certain things in the environment and lifestyle may increase the frequency of these headaches. Clarify whether noise could be a trigger, certain foods, hydration, stress, hormonal changes, and excessive alcohol consumption.
Furthermore, letting your loved one know if you have found ways to avoid triggers (such as always carrying earplugs when you travel and limiting exposure to loud and crowded places) may help them understand better and give you the necessary support.
Highlight the Role of Health Professionals
Last but not least, it is important to highlight the role of health care professionals in controlling cluster headaches. Stress the necessity of regular visits to see a neurologist or headache specialist to find a suitable treatment and management plan. Let your loved one know about prescription and nonprescription medications that can be used—such as sumatriptan and dihydroergotamine mese/c1—and also glorify life-style adjustments that you could take in order to control these headaches.
Cluster headaches can be overwhelming for you and those in your life as well. Communicating with your loved ones can decrease stress, help them understand better your experience, and provide the necessary assistance and support.