Cluster Headache

1 medicine

Cluster headache causes extremely intense, one-sided head pain in cyclical bouts. It is treated with fast-acting triptans and high-flow oxygen.

Imitrex

Sumatriptan

25/50/100mg

Imitrex is a neurology medication containing Sumatriptan, available as 25/50/100mg tablets.

from $2.91 / tablet View

Key facts

  • Cluster headache is one of the most painful conditions known, producing intense burning or stabbing pain around one eye or temple, always on one side.
  • 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 it lifts.
  • Fast-acting treatments are used to abort an attack: injectable or nasal-spray sumatriptan is the established first-line option, alongside high-flow oxygen inhalation.
  • Seek emergency care for your worst-ever headache, sudden "thunderclap" pain, or head pain with fever and a stiff neck.

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 or rock rather than lie still, which sets cluster headache apart from migraine, where lying still in a dark room is more typical.

Aborting attacks quickly

Because attacks peak fast and resolve within hours, treatments that work quickly matter most. Triptans, particularly injectable or nasal-spray sumatriptan, are the established first-line option for aborting an acute attack. High-flow oxygen inhalation, breathed through a mask for 15 to 20 minutes, is another widely used acute treatment and can stop an attack in progress. Longer-acting preventive medicines are usually added during an active cluster period to shorten how long it lasts overall. These sit alongside other neurology treatments used for headache disorders.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and to plan both acute and preventive treatment, especially if attacks are frequent or a cluster period is dragging on. Seek emergency care immediately for your worst-ever headache, sudden onset "thunderclap" pain, or head pain accompanied by fever and a stiff neck, since these can signal a different, more dangerous cause.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.