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Cluster headaches can wreak havoc on a person’s life. These severe headaches are characterized by sharp, intense pain that occurs in clusters, often on the same side of the head. When someone moves to a higher altitude location like Bend, Oregon, they may find that their cluster headaches become more severe and more frequent. If you have started to experience cluster headaches after moving to Bend, or if you already suffer from cluster headaches and are considering relocation to an area at a higher altitude, it is important to understand how Bend’s high altitude may impact cluster headaches.

Understanding Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are among the worst types of headaches, in terms of both severity and duration. These headaches last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours, and can occur anywhere from once every other hour to eight times per day. Some people even find that they are plagued by these headaches every day or every few days.

Clusters of painful headaches are often accompanied by other symptoms, such as dropping eyelids, tearing up, and intense pain in the area around the eyes.

To add to the problem, those who experience chronic versions of cluster headaches, which are more severe and last for a very long period of time, typically do not respond well to traditional migraine medications. This means that these individuals search for alternative treatments to ease their pain.

How Bend’s High Altitude May Affect Cluster Headaches

The link between cluster headaches and high altitudes has not been definitively proven by scientific research. However, many individuals who suffer from this type of headache report an increase in the severity and frequency of the headaches after relocating to a higher altitude area.

High altitude is defined as an elevation of 2,500 feet or more. Bend, Oregon fits well within this definition, as it sits at an elevation of 3,623 feet.

It is in high altitude areas that the air is thinner and has lower oxygen levels. This could cause cluster headaches and other types of headaches to become more severe and frequent in people who are susceptible to them. The reason has to do with the relationship between blood flow and oxygen levels.

As elevation increases, oxygen levels in the air decrease. The body needs to send more blood to the brain in order to supply it with enough oxygen. However, the body can only send so much blood, and when limits are reached, the blood vessels constrict in an attempt to regulate the flow. This constriction can lead to an increase in the severity and frequency of headaches.

Treating Cluster Headaches in High Altitude Areas

Fortunately, there are treatments that are effective for preventing, reducing the frequency, and lessening the severity of cluster headaches in high altitude areas. Some of these treatments include:

1. Oxygen Therapy: This is the most commonly used treatment for people who experience cluster headaches at higher elevations. Oxygen masks are used to deliver high levels of oxygen to the brain, which results in relief from pain.

2. Avoiding Triggers: Many people find that certain things can trigger a cluster headache. Triggers can include stress, lack of sleep, and alcohol. As such, it is important to try to avoid these triggers.

3. Medications: Certain medications can help to prevent and treat cluster headaches. These can include sumatriptan, ergotamines, lithium, valproic acid, and verapamil.

Conclusion

If you suffer from chronic cluster headaches, including those that may have become more frequent and more severe since moving to a higher elevation location like Bend, Oregon, it is important to know how to treat and prevent cluster headaches. Oxygen therapy, avoiding triggers, and medications can all play a role in reducing the frequency and lessening the severity of cluster headaches in individuals residing at higher altitudes. Consulting with a physician is important, as certain treatments may be more beneficial for one person than another.