How Do They Feel?

Cluster headaches cause a burning or sharp, piercing pain on one side of your head. The pain goes around the temple and eye, and the eye can be red, watery, or puffy. The eyelid may droop, and you may have a runny or stuffy nose on the same side.

The pain usually gets worse quickly—within five to 10 minutes—and may last from 30 minutes to several hours. These headaches may begin at night, within two to three hours of falling asleep. They may start while you are dreaming, but they can occur at any time. Cluster headaches can continue for days, weeks, or months before they stop. Once the cluster stops, you may not have another one for months or years. Sometimes, cluster headaches become chronic and continuous.

How Do You Know You Have Cluster Headaches?

Your physician will usually be able to identify cluster headaches based on:

• The type and location of pain
• How long they last
• How often you have them
• The pattern of your pain
• Your medical history
• A physical exam