Cluster headache can cause sudden, very strong pain, often behind or around one eye. These headaches happen in groups, also called clusters, that can last weeks or even months. For some people, the pain from cluster headaches is so bad that it makes it hard to sleep, work or enjoy daily life.
Headache specialists in Mayo Clinic's Department of Neurology understand how hard it can be to live with cluster headache. They will take time to review your symptoms, make sure you get the right diagnosis and create a care plan that meets your needs.
Mayo Clinic offers many different treatments for cluster headache, including some that aren't available at many other medical centers. Your care team focuses on reducing cluster headache pain and the frequency with which you get headaches.
Mayo Clinic has cluster headache specialists at its campuses in Rochester, Minnesota; Jacksonville, Florida; and Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona.
A care team focused on you
When you come to Mayo Clinic for help with headaches, your first visit may be with a neurologist. You might undergo a neurological exam, which may include imaging tests such as a CT scan or an MRI. Our expert team works to accurately identify the type of headache you're having — such as cluster headache — while carefully ruling out other possible causes.
Mayo Clinic uses a team-based model of care. Experts from different specialties work closely together to diagnose and treat your condition. This means you get care that's well coordinated, efficient and personalized to your needs.
Your team may include:
Some neurologists have specialized training in both headache and pain medicine. Depending on your needs and the healthcare professionals involved, you may receive multidisciplinary care during a single visit or across multiple appointments.
If needed, your team also can connect you with pain care experts at Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Center.
Mayo Clinic Connect: Headache and Migraine
Innovative treatment for cluster headaches
Your treatment plan is based on your concerns, symptoms, health history, test results and overall health. Mayo Clinic is one of only a few medical centers in the U.S. to offer the full range of advanced treatment options for cluster headache, including:
For very severe or hard-to-treat cluster headaches, deep brain stimulation might be an option. Ask your care team if this or other cluster headache therapies may be right for you.
Your team also can help you manage your medicines and teach you ways to care for yourself at home so you can feel less pain and return to your usual activities.
Nationally recognized expertise
Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, are ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.
Each year, Mayo Clinic neurologists care for hundreds of people with cluster headache. This includes people with short-term and long-term cluster headache and those who haven't gotten relief from standard treatments.
Mayo Clinic is one of the few medical centers in the U.S. to offer:
- Minimally invasive procedures for headache relief.
- Neurosurgery for certain headache conditions.
- Access to new treatments through clinical trials.
Research and innovation
Mayo Clinic's physician-scientists are leaders in headache research. You might be able to take part in a clinical trial or research study. Ask your neurologist if a clinical trial or research study might be right for you.
Research areas include:
- New medications for cluster headache.
- Neuromodulation devices that gently stimulate nerves to reduce pain.
- New procedures that target the nerves involved in headache cycles.
See a list of publications about cluster headache by Mayo Clinic doctors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.
Appointments
You may be referred to Mayo Clinic's Department of Neurology by your primary healthcare professional, or you may make an appointment without a referral.
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