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.

Feature	Cluster Headache	Migraine	Tension-Type
Duration	15-180 minutes	4-72 hours	30 minutes to 7 days
Location	Strictly unilateral orbital/temporal	Unilateral, variable	Bilateral, band-like
Intensity	Severe to very severe	Moderate to severe	Mild to moderate
Autonomic Symptoms	Prominent, ipsilateral	Can occur, not prominent	Usually absent
Behavior	Restless, agitated	Seeks quiet/dark	No significant change
Daily Frequency	1-8 times per day	Not typical	Variable

Source: Based on ICHD-3 Classification

Key Patterns and Symptoms

Only a medical professional can diagnose cluster headaches. You can help your 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

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