I have had diabetes my entire life, and I am very thankful for the fact that modern medical discoveries have helped me live a happy, healthy life despite my disease. I have had to watch what I eat and take medications daily for most of my life, and while i used to feel like I was "missing out" when other children were able to eat sugary candy and I wasn't, I eventually learned that sugar-free candy tastes great. I am always keeping up on the latest diabetes research, and while researching, I have also learned about many other diseases and ailments and how they are treated and controlled. I know others are too busy to browse a bunch of medical websites, like I like to do, so I decided to start a blog that others can visit that contains information on a variety of medical topics all in one place!
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3 Tips For Preventing And Managing Cluster Headaches
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Cluster headaches are often regarded as one of the most painful forms of headaches. Due to their unrelenting pain and unpredictability, they can make living a normal life impossible. For some people, a combination of preventative measures and treatment once a headache starts can improve their quality of life.
Determine Headache Triggers
Although cluster headaches tend to have fewer noticeable triggers than migraines, there may be some factors that are more likely to facilitate a headache than others. Whenever possible, keep a diary and write down whether you experienced a cluster headache and if you can remember anything you ate or drank that day. Some people may also experience more episodes during extreme temperatures. If you can notice any weather-related patterns you might make changes to your schedule to avoid triggers. For example, you may need to decline leisurely activities when the weather is extremely hot or limit your shopping until after dark when the weather is cooler. Unfortunately, many people with cluster headaches do not have obvious triggers, which makes the headaches difficult to avoid.
Use Preventative Treatments
There are several types of preventative treatments that may be effective for people with cluster headaches. You may need multiple treatments at your disposal so you can determine which one works. Some medications that are commonly used as mood stabilizers may be helpful in preventing or reducing the severity of cluster headaches. Oxygen therapy is also used in the early stages of a cluster headache and may stop the headache entirely or prevent it from becoming intolerable. You and your doctor may want to discuss options to have an oxygen tank available at home to be used for an impending cluster headache.
Have Medication Ready For Attacks
A common treatment used when an attack occurs is steroids, such as prednisone. The medication is usually prescribed as a larger dose for a few days or it may be prescribed for a longer period by tapering off the dose over a week or more. Since the medication is only available by prescription, it is imperative to discuss your options to have the medication easily accessible when an attack occurs. Your doctor may decide to write you a prescription with several refills and encourage you to fill the first prescription immediately so it is already available when you need it.
Steroids typically shorten the duration and intensity of a cluster headache and can prevent multiple attacks in a short period of time. Although many people with cluster headaches find prescription pain medications, such as narcotics, are not effective for this type of pain, they may be more helpful when combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of steroids.
Cluster headaches are a debilitating neurological problem. As doctors achieve a better understanding of what causes cluster headaches, more treatments can be found to give patients long-lasting relief. Contact a center like North Texas Neuroscience Center PA for more information.
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