Cluster headaches

Overview

Cluster headaches occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, which gives the condition its name. Cluster headache is one of the most painful types of headache.

Cluster headache commonly awakens you in the middle of the night with intense pain in or around one eye on one side of your head.

Bouts of frequent attacks, known as cluster periods, may last from weeks to months, usually followed by remission periods when the headache attacks stop completely. During remission, no headaches occur for months and sometimes even years.

Fortunately, cluster headache is rare and not life-threatening. Treatments can help make cluster headache attacks shorter and less severe. In addition, medications can help reduce the number of cluster headaches.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for cluster headaches

• Experience. At Mayo Clinic, doctors trained in diagnosing and treating all types of headaches have experience treating people with cluster headaches.
• Team approach. Doctors trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologists) may work with a team of doctors in many other areas to evaluate and treat your condition.
• Research. Doctors study causes and new diagnostic tests and treatments for cluster headaches and other types of headaches.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., are ranked high performing for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery.