Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Cluster headache

7-minute read

If you have a sudden, severe headache or if your headache is accompanied by vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness or changes in your vision, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance or go to your local hospital emergency department.

Key facts

  • Cluster headaches are a rare but very painful type of headache, that occur very frequently, and for several weeks at a time.
  • They cause severe pain around one eye, with a runny nose, a red weepy eye and swollen eyelid on the same side of the face.
  • There is no test for cluster headaches, but you might need to have some tests to rule out other types of headaches.
  • During a cluster of attacks, headaches can be triggered by alcohol, strong smells or certain foods.
  • Cluster headaches can be relieved with oxygen and medicines, while different medicines can be used to prevent them from starting.

What are cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches are a rare but very painful type of headache, in which headaches occur in groups, or clusters. They are more common in males and usually start at age 20 to 40 years.

People who get them find they have frequent headaches over a few weeks, then none for a while. This is called 'episodic cluster headache'.

During a cluster, headaches can occur up to 8 times a day. They often start at night or early in the morning and can wake you up from sleep. These clusters often occur at the same time each year.

In a few people, the headaches come on continuously without long breaks. This is called 'chronic cluster headache'.

Cluster headaches are very unpleasant, but not dangerous. They may occur less often as you get older.

What are the symptoms of cluster headaches?

The pain of cluster headaches can be very severe. The headaches occur on one side of your face, with sharp pain around or behind your eye. They may go away after 15 minutes or may last up to 3 hours.

You may also experience other symptoms on the same side of your face, such as:

  • a red and weepy eye
  • a drooping or swollen eyelid
  • a runny or blocked nose
  • sweaty skin

You might also feel restless or agitated.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What causes cluster headaches?

Doctors don't know what causes cluster headaches. People who smoke have a greater risk of chronic cluster headaches.

Cluster headaches sometimes run in families.

Headaches may be triggered by:

  • alcohol
  • foods that contain nitrates — for example, meat, garlic or dark chocolate
  • strong smells
  • some medicines, such as nitroglycerin (which is used to treat chest pain)

When should I see my doctor?

If you think you may have cluster headaches, it's important to see your doctor so they can confirm it and help you find the best treatment for it.

If you already have a diagnosis of cluster headache, see your doctor again if your headaches start to feel different or become more severe.

In some cases, headaches can be a symptom of something more serious. See your doctor straight away if you experience:

  • a severe headache that comes on suddenly
  • a headache that gets progressively worse over the course of several weeks
  • a morning headache with nausea that doesn't go away
  • a headache that starts following an injury to your head

You should also see your doctor straight away if you have a headache accompanied by:

  • fever
  • vomiting
  • neck stiffness
  • confusion or a change in personality
  • blurred or double vision
  • loss of balance
  • a seizure

If you have a sudden, severe headache or if your headache is accompanied by vomiting, confusion, neck stiffness or changes in your vision, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance or go to your local hospital emergency department.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

How are cluster headaches diagnosed?

Your doctor will talk to you and examine you. There is no specific test for a cluster headache, but your doctor may do tests to rule out other causes of headache.

Diagnosing and treating cluster headaches can be complex, so your doctor may refer you to a neurologist.

How are cluster headaches treated?

There are treatments that work quickly to treat a cluster headache when it starts. There are different treatments that may help prevent a cluster starting. Your doctor will talk to you about which treatments are appropriate for you.

When you have a cluster headache, your pain may be relieved by:

  • medicines called triptans — usually in a nasal spray
  • breathing oxygen through a mask for 15 minutes

Treatments that can prevent a cluster starting may include:

  • medicines such as verapamil or lithium
  • neuromodulation, which involves using an electrical signal to stimulate nerves in your brain

Can cluster headaches be prevented?

There's no known way to prevent yourself developing cluster headaches, but it's best to avoid smoking, which can increase your risk. Knowing your triggers and avoiding them may be helpful, even while you are in the middle of a cluster of headaches.

If you have been diagnosed with cluster headache, there are a number of treatments that can prevent clusters from occurring. Talk to your doctor about which one is best for you.

If you are in the middle of a cluster, you can reduce your chances of having a headache by avoiding any triggers, such as alcohol, nitrate-containing foods, and strong odours.

Resources and support

Visit Migraine & Headache Australia to learn more about headache and to join an online support group.

Check out the ANZ Headache Society for helpful tips and a list of doctors who specialise in treating headache.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: June 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Cluster Headache - Headache Types - Headache Australia

Cluster headache is a rare but extremely painful neurological disorder, causing headache attacks that occur in cyclical bouts.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Adults and Headache - Headache Australia

Studies confirm that tension-type headache and migraine are more common in women while cluster headache, a rare form of headache, is more common in men.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Intracranial Hypertension - Brain Foundation

Intracranial Hypertension Description Read more at Headache Australia (a division of Brain Foundation) Further Information and Support Click here for the latest Australian research papers on Intracranial Hypertension AustralianIntracaranial Hypertension www.ih-australia.com.auIntracranial Hypertension Australia (IHA) is a non-profit health promotion organisation whose goal is to provide information and support to patients, their families and... Read more

Read more on Brain Foundation website

Treatment of Headache - Migraine & Headache Australia

There is no absolute cure for headache, but many effective treatments exist which can prevent and treat different headache types.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Natural Alternatives For Migraine & Headache - Headache Australia

What are natural or complementary alternatives available to people living with migraine or headache disorders. Are they safe and effective?

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Headache - Better Health Channel

Although nearly all of us will experience a headache during our lifetime, persistent headaches need to be medically investigated with tests such as scans, eye tests or sinus x-rays.

Read more on Better Health Channel website

Medication Overuse Headache - Migraine & Headache Australia

Medication overuse headache occurs when you take painkillers too often, which can worsen an existing migraine or headache disorder.

Read more on Migraine and Headache Australia website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Queensland Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.