Cluster Headaches: Prevention

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Prevention

Currently, there is no way to prevent cluster headaches from developing, because their cause is unclear. There are medicines that can lower the number of cluster headaches you get in a cycle. Other medicines can shorten the time you have the headaches.

But when you are having a cycle of headaches, identifying and avoiding headache triggers may reduce the severity and duration of the headaches. Common cluster headache triggers include:

• Alcohol.
• Irregular sleep patterns. Changes in your normal sleep patterns (especially taking afternoon naps) seem to trigger cluster headaches.
• Smoking cigarettes.
• Stress. Some people develop headaches after a stressful event is over. Reduce stress to prevent headaches with activities such as regular exercise. For more information, see the topic Stress Management.
• Certain foods, such as aged cheeses (bleu cheese, for example) and processed meats (bacon, for example).
• Raised body temperature. This can happen during exercise or if you take a hot bath.

Last updated:	April 11, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
Editors:	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC