How Do I Know If I Have Cluster Headaches?

IMPORTANT: This information is for reference only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you recognize these patterns, consult a neurologist or headache specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve management of cluster headaches.

Only a medical professional can diagnose cluster headaches, you can help doctor by carefully observing and documenting these key patterns and symptoms:

Pattern of Attacks: Keep track if you notice:

  • Headaches that occur at similar times each day

  • Pain-free periods lasting months or years between headache cycles

  • Multiple attacks happening on the same day

  • Each attack lasting between 15 minutes to 3 hours

  • Nighttime attacks that wake you from sleep

Location and Pain Characteristics: Note if your pain is:

  • Strictly on one side of your head (usually around or behind one eye)

  • Always on the same side during a cluster period

  • Intense enough to make it difficult to sit still

  • Described as burning, piercing, or stabbing

Associated Symptoms: Document if you experience any of these on the same side as your headache:

  • Eye redness or tearing

  • Stuffy or runny nose

  • Drooping or swollen eyelid

  • Facial sweating

  • Restlessness or inability to lie down during attacks

Important Notes for Your Doctor Visit: Consider keeping a headache diary recording:

  • Exact timing and duration of attacks

  • Any triggers you've noticed

  • What makes the pain better or worse

  • What medications you've tried

  • Impact on your sleep patterns

  • Family history of headaches

Differences between Migraine and Cluster Headaches