Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are uncommon and extremely painful conditions. While migraines occur in 10 percent of people, much fewer than one percent of people have cluster headaches. Cluster headaches have been described by sufferers as being more painful than childbirth or migraines.
Often reported as a hot, stabbing pain behind the eye or near the temple, they are characterized by happening at regular times. Cluster headaches tend to occur at the same time of day, last for an hour or less, then disappear to re-occur the next day. This can often go on for months or longer. Unlike migraines, which are sometimes preceded by familiar symptoms such as flashing lights, cluster headaches strike without warning.
The cause isn't known with certainty, but many researchers believe this debilitating condition occurs as a result of an abnormality of the hypothalamus. This small gland plays an important role in regulation of the 'biological clock' and changes in the length of day and other factors can influence its behavior.
One striking difference between migraines and cluster headaches is their gender preference. Of the 28 million Americans who suffer from migraines, nearly three times as many women as men are afflicted. Cluster headaches, however, are far more prevalent among men than women, and usually strike those between 20 and 50 years of age. The ratio of men to women sufferers ranges from 5:1 to 8:1.
A range of treatments are available, but the common ones used to combat ordinary tension or even migraine headaches typically have no effect. Aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen - though near wonder-drugs for other conditions - are usually ineffective.
One treatment that has been tried with some success is the inhalation of pure oxygen for several minutes. This is among the so-called 'abortive' treatments, since it only works after the onset of symptoms.
Another is one common among migraine regimens, a class of drugs called triptans. In order to speed delivery, it's often injected rather than ingested, however. Nasal sprays work quickly, but cluster headaches often produce swelling of the nasal passages, making administering the treatment by that route less effective.
Unfortunately, few preventive or prophylactic treatments are effective. Given the poor understanding of the causes and the rarity of the condition, this shouldn't be surprising. Though there are many treatments on the market, such as the use of CCBs (calcium channel blockers), the results are mixed.
Surgery has proved somewhat effective in the most serious cases. Other extreme treatments such as removal of part of the brain, nerve blocks, and other neurological surgeries can be used when all other options have been failed. Continuing research is being conducted on solving the causes and pain o cluster headaches.
The end result is often a headache.
Migraine Action Plan Could Help Millions Of Sufferers Find A Positive Way Out Of Migraine
Migraines can be a debilitating condition and affect around 15% of the UK population, over 70% of whom are women. Recent research undertaken by Imigran Recovery reveals that over 81% of migraine sufferers cannot always control their migraine attacks while 71% say migraines leave them unable to function. For the 81% who are unable to control their migraines, a new interactive tool www.migraineactionplan.co.uk has been developed.
NovaDel Announces Data From Pilot Efficacy Study Comparing Sumatriptan Oral Spray To Imitrex(R) Tablets
NovaDel Pharma Inc. (AMEX: NVD), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing oral spray formulations for a broad range of marketed treatments, today announced data from its Pilot Efficacy Study of its Oral Spray formulation of sumatriptan (Sumatriptan OS) compared to sumatriptan tablets, marketed as Imitrex/Imigran, the leading triptan indicated for the treatment of migraine headaches.
MAP Pharmaceuticals Initiates Phase 3 Clinical Trial In Patients With Migraine
MAP Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAPP) announced it has initiated its Phase 3 clinical program to evaluate MAP0004 as a potential treatment for migraine. MAP0004 is orally inhaled and self-administered at home using MAP Pharmaceuticals' proprietary Tempo(R) inhaler. In the company's prior Phase 2 efficacy study, MAP0004 provided pain relief in as fast as 10 minutes, with relief sustained through at least 24 hours.
Using a compound that can substitute in nerve cell receptors for serotonin, while having a slightly different structure, can prevent an attack. In all likelihood there is a reciprocal relationship. Which you choose will depend on a number of individual circumstances, along with real differences between the two.
|
