Cluster Headache
What Triggers Off A Cluster Headache
Just like no one cause can be pinpointed as the cause of many diseases, similarly there is not one single factor that can lead to a cluster headache. A multitude of factors may be responsible for the same.
Any vasodilator, that is, a substance leading
to swelling of the blood vessels can lead to an acute attack of cluster
headache. Nitroglycerin and histamine have been labeled as the possible
culprits. So is alcohol which is a well-known vasodilator. Even minimal
amounts of it can be harmful as it leads to a rapid change in the blood
vessels. Smoking is another factor that can contribute to cluster
headaches. But during the headache-free period, alcohol and smoking do
not appear to be a factor. It is only during one of the attacks that
these substances lead to aggravation of the symptoms.
Hormonal
changes in women either during periods or menopause do not seem to be
the cause of cluster headaches. Also, it is seen that the sufferer gets
affected during the spring or autumn. But then this headache is not
seasonal and not even associated with business stress. In fact, these
seasons vary from patient to patient. Somebody may get affected in the
winters while another may suffer during the summers.
Some studies point out that glare or even ingestion of specific
types of food can lead to a cluster headache, just as in the case of
migraine.
Even exposure to hydrocarbons as found in petroleum
solvents and petrol has been recognized as a trigger. If the patient has
low tolerance to heat, then heat may also act as an aggravating factor.
Surprisingly, even innocent things like napping might trigger the
headache in certain susceptible people.
All this clearly shows
that though there are specific triggers, in the form of vasodilators,
that cause cluster headaches, the triggers for aggravating the problem
are highly individualized owing to your vulnerability and susceptibility
to certain things.