Cluster Headache
Cluster headache is one of the most painful conditions known, producing intense burning or stabbing pain around one eye or temple. Attacks last 15 minutes to three hours and typically recur at the same time each day during an active cluster period, which can run for weeks to months before remitting.
Key points
- Bouts of attacks tend to strike at a consistent hour daily for a run of weeks to months before easing off.
- Restlessness and pacing during an attack, rather than lying still, is a feature that helps distinguish it from migraine.
- Injectable or nasal-spray sumatriptan and high-flow oxygen inhalation are the two established ways to abort an attack quickly.
- Preventive medicines with a longer action are typically introduced once a cluster period starts, to shorten how long it lasts.
Recognising an attack
The pain is always one-sided and reaches full intensity within minutes. On the affected side, the eye may water and redden, the eyelid can droop, and the nostril becomes congested or runny. Restlessness during an attack is characteristic; most people pace rather than lie still, which distinguishes cluster headache from migraine.
Aborting attacks quickly
Because attacks peak fast and resolve within hours, fast-acting treatments matter most. Triptans, particularly injectable or nasal-spray sumatriptan, are the established first-line option for aborting an acute attack. High-flow oxygen inhalation is another widely used acute approach. Longer-acting preventive medicines are usually added during an active cluster period to shorten its overall duration. For a broader view of treatments relevant to headache and neurological conditions, see the neurology category.
If you experience your worst-ever headache, sudden onset “thunderclap” pain, or head pain with fever and stiff neck, seek emergency care immediately.
Further reading
What is cluster headache?
Cluster headache is one of the most painful conditions known. It causes intense burning or stabbing pain around one eye or temple. Attacks last 15 minutes to three hours and typically recur at the same time each day during an active cluster period.
What are the symptoms of cluster headache?
The pain is always one-sided and reaches full intensity within minutes. On the affected side, the eye may water and redden, the eyelid can droop, and the nostril becomes congested or runny. Restlessness during an attack is characteristic, and most people pace rather than lie still.
How is cluster headache treated?
Attacks can be aborted with injectable or nasal-spray sumatriptan or high-flow oxygen inhalation. Longer-acting preventive medicines are usually added during an active cluster period to shorten its overall duration.
When should I see a doctor about cluster headache?
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience your worst-ever headache, sudden onset "thunderclap" pain, or head pain with fever and stiff neck.
Which treatments for cluster headache can I order?
The medicines listed for cluster headache contain sumatriptan. Examples include Imitrex. Each product page lists the strengths and forms.
Are medicines for cluster headache available over the counter in Thailand?
Yes, online. Yasabai does not ask for a prescription to order medicines for cluster headache. We are an online store, not a dispensing pharmacy; we arrange your order and delivery on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Where can I buy medicines for cluster headache online?
Our pharmacy partners ship from India to Thailand and across Asia in discreet packaging. Standard Airmail takes up to 3 weeks; Express Tracked Courier takes up to 1 week.
How ordering works →