Question 1

What are Cluster Headaches?

Accepted Answer

Cluster headaches are among the most intense types of headaches, known for causing severe pain on one side of the head. These headaches typically occur around the eye, forehead, or temple area and can last between 15 minutes to 3 hours if left untreated. What makes them unique is their pattern – they can happen multiple times a day, sometimes up to eight times.

Question 2

How are cluster headaches different from other headaches?

Accepted Answer

Cluster headaches are among the most intense types of headaches, known for causing severe pain on one side of the head. These headaches typically occur around the eye, forehead, or temple area and can last between 15 minutes to 3 hours if left untreated. What makes them unique is their pattern – they can happen multiple times a day, sometimes up to eight times.

Question 3

What are the key features of cluster headaches?

Accepted Answer

Severe, one-sided pain around the eye, above the eye, and/or near the temple.
- Each attack lasts from 15 minutes up to 180 minutes without treatment
- Attacks can occur from once every other day up to 8 times daily
- Red and watery eye
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Swollen eyelid
- Sweating on the forehead and face
- Smaller pupil and/or drooping eyelid
- Feeling restless or agitated

Question 4

Why are they called cluster headaches?

Accepted Answer

Cluster headaches get their name from their tendency to occur in groups or "clusters." They typically follow one of two patterns:
- Episodic Clusters: Headaches appear for weeks or months, followed by headache-free periods lasting at least three months
- Chronic Clusters: Headaches persist for more than a year, either continuously or with very brief pain-free periods

Question 5

Why should I track my headaches?

Accepted Answer

Modern headache tracking tools can help you:
- Identify patterns in when your headaches occur
- Recognize potential triggers
- Monitor how well treatments work
- Understand how the headaches affect your daily life

Question 6

What information do I need to record when logging a headache?

Accepted Answer

The only essential details you must record are the start date and time of your headache and the end date and time. These can be added quickly, and you can return later to include more details when you feel better.

Question 7

Can I add more details to my headache record?

Accepted Answer

Yes. While optional, additional details help build a clearer picture of your attacks. You can add:
- Pain level (1 to 10)
- Headache location (right behind eye, left behind eye, forehead, top of head, back of head)
- Medications taken
- Possible triggers
Even if some locations don't match typical cluster headaches, noting them helps you distinguish between different headache types.

Question 8

How do I view, edit, or manage my headache history?

Accepted Answer

Your Recent History section acts as your headache diary.
You can:
- View full details of any attack
- Add missing information
- Correct earlier entries
- Delete incorrect records
- Filter entries by date
- Sort attacks from newest to oldest (or vice versa)

Question 9

How do I export my headache history?

Accepted Answer

You can export your entire log as a CSV file. This is useful for backups, sharing with your doctor, or analysing your data in other tools.

Question 10

Can I import my previous headache records from another tool?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can import past data using a CSV file. The file must contain complete rows and follow the required format.

Question 11

What is the required CSV format for importing records?

Accepted Answer

You must use the following column structure:

pain_level,location,start_date_date,start_date_time,end_date_date,end_date_time,medications,triggers

Formatting rules:
1. Dates use YYYY-MM-DD
2. Times use HH:mm:ss
3. Locations are:
   l for left
   r for right
   tl for top
   fr for forehead
   b for back
4. Pain level must be a number from 1 to 10
5. Multiple medications or triggers must be comma-separated and placed inside quotation marks

Example:
1,l,2025-02-05,22:49:29,2025-02-05,22:49:29,"Calan,Verapamil","Bad Sleep,Strong Smells"

Question 12

What should I check if my CSV import fails?

Accepted Answer

If you receive an error:
- Check that column headings match exactly and use lowercase
- Confirm your dates and times are in the correct format
- Make sure midnight times include a leading zero
- Remove or fix any incomplete rows

Question 13

What reports are available in the app?

Accepted Answer

The Reports section turns your data into meaningful visuals, including:
- Headache-free days
- Scatter plots showing timing and duration
- Duration and intensity trends
- Medication and trigger frequency
- Location distribution pie chart
- Time-of-day patterns

These can help you and your healthcare provider better understand your headache behaviour.

Question 14

What does my profile include?

Accepted Answer

Your profile summarises key aspects of your condition. During onboarding you can optionally provide:
- Preventive medications
- Lifestyle habits
- Diagnosis status
- Other relevant health information

All fields are optional, and you can update them at any time.

Question 15

How can I share my profile?

Accepted Answer

You can share your profile:
- By taking screenshots
- Using a generated public link
- Through direct WhatsApp sharing

Your profile contains no identifiable personal information. The app does not collect your full name or exact address.

Question 16

What can I manage in my Account Settings?

Accepted Answer

In the Account Settings section you can:
- Change the app language
- Adjust or withdraw data-sharing consent
- Change your password
- Sign out
- Request your stored data
- Permanently delete your account (We recommend downloading your headache records before deleting your account.)

Question 17

How does MyClusters protect my privacy?

Accepted Answer

Your privacy is a core priority. The app uses:
- GDPR-compliant processes
- Strong encryption
- A privacy-optimised database structure
- EU-based servers

We only collect the minimum information necessary for the app to function.

Question 18

How is my data used for research?

Accepted Answer

Your participation can support real-world headache research. All shared data is:
- Fully anonymised
- Impossible to trace back to you
- Used to support scientific studies

You choose whether to consent, and you can withdraw at any time.

Question 19

How do I get help if I have a question or issue?

Accepted Answer

You can contact support at info@myclusters.nl or visit the app's other help pages for more resources.

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