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Cluster headaches and medical cannabis

What are cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches are a type of severe headache that occurs in recurring patterns, or “clusters”. They cause abrupt, severe pain, generally on one side of the head or around one eye. Episodes can last from 15 minutes to several hours, often happening multiple times a day. Other symptoms may include red or watery eyes, nasal congestion, and restlessness during an attack.

Who do cluster headaches affect?

Cluster headaches are less common than migraines, but they can be extremely debilitating. They usually affect adults between the ages of 20 and 50, and men are more likely to experience them than women. People living with cluster headaches often describe the pain as some of the most severe they have ever experienced, making it difficult to work, sleep, or carry out normal activities.

Common treatment options

Standard treatments for cluster headaches include oxygen therapy, triptan medication, and preventative drugs such as verapamil or corticosteroids. Doctors may also recommend nerve stimulation therapies in cases where traditional treatment is not effective. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and avoiding known triggers (for example, alcohol or strong smells) can sometimes help reduce the frequency of attacks.

Can medical cannabis help with cluster headaches?

Medical cannabis is being studied as a potential option for people who have not found relief through conventional treatments. Cannabinoids may help reduce the intensity of pain, ease associated symptoms, and improve sleep during cluster headache cycles. Some patients also report reduced anxiety and better overall quality of life when medical cannabis is used as part of a wider treatment plan.

If you are living with cluster headaches and want to explore whether medical cannabis could be suitable for you, speak with a specialist. A personalised consultation can provide guidance on safe use and help determine if cannabis-based treatment is appropriate for managing your condition.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cluster Headaches

Is this medical condition related to any long-term complications? How can they be avoided or managed?

Unfortunately, cluster headaches are known as suicide headaches because some patients have committed suicide as a result of the intensity and frequency of the episodes. They can be exceedingly painful and disabling. They are quite debilitating if not adequately controlled, and you are always in agony.

We attempt to keep pain under control with our medicinal cannabis services in order to minimise long-term impacts.

Will cluster headaches disappear on their own?

Cluster headaches can sometimes disappear on their own but are usually long-lasting. Medication can sometimes turn chronic headaches into episodic ones, but current treatments often provide only limited relief.

Most people with episodic cluster headaches stay in that category, with only a few developing chronic headaches. In some cases, up to 12% of people experience long, unexplained periods without headaches, especially those with the episodic type. Chronic cluster headaches are harder to treat and often stay chronic in about half of the cases, though they can sometimes shift to an episodic form.

Those who develop chronic headaches later in life tend to have a worse outlook, particularly men and those who previously had episodic headaches.

What variables contribute to cluster headaches?

Risk factors for cluster headaches include:

  • Smoking: Many cluster headache sufferers smoke, but quitting often doesn’t stop the headaches.
  • Age: Most people with cluster headaches are between 20 and 50 years old, but it can start at any age.
  • Family history: If a close family member has cluster headaches, your chances may be higher.
  • Alcohol: Drinking alcohol during a cluster period can trigger an attack.
  • Sex: Men are more likely to get cluster headaches than women.

What is the difference between a migraine headache and a cluster headache?

Migraine headaches and cluster headaches are both severe forms of headache but have distinct characteristics. Migraines typically involve throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and visual disturbances. They can last for hours or days and are often preceded by warning symptoms known as auras.

In contrast, cluster headaches are extremely intense headaches that usually occur on one side of the head, often around the eye. They are characterised by excruciating pain that can be described as piercing or burning and may last from 15 minutes to several hours. Cluster headaches tend to occur in clusters or cycles, with frequent attacks over a period of weeks to months, followed by periods of remission.

Unlike migraines, cluster headaches typically do not have an associated aura or nausea but may involve restlessness or agitation during an attack.

Treatment approaches for these types of headaches may vary, so it’s important for individuals experiencing severe headaches to seek medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate management plan.

Does CBD Help with Cluster Headaches?

CBD may help manage symptoms of cluster headaches, though direct research on CBD specifically for cluster headaches is limited. Cluster headaches are a form of severe, recurring headache often described as extremely painful and debilitating. CBD’s anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and neuroprotective properties could potentially provide relief by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a role in regulating pain perception and inflammation.

Some individuals with chronic headache disorders, including migraines, have reported improvements in pain and frequency after using CBD. While more research is needed, CBD may help reduce pain during cluster headaches by modulating the pain signals and reducing inflammation that may contribute to the condition. However, because cluster headaches are highly intense and short-lived, CBD may be more effective as a preventive measure or in conjunction with other treatments rather than during acute attacks.

Does THC have any effect on headaches?

Yes, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) can positively help reduce headache pain for some individuals. By engaging with the endocannabinoid system, THC may ease acute headache discomfort and promote relaxation, potentially lowering tension-related headaches. Consult a healthcare provider to ensure safe use and appropriate dosing.

What are the best medical cannabis strains for cluster headaches?

In the UK, patients suffering from cluster headaches may consider using medical cannabis strains to manage their symptoms, provided they have the appropriate prescription from a licensed specialist. Medical cannabis strains for cluster headaches can offer relief through their pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and anxiety-reducing properties. Selecting the right strain depends on individual needs, the severity of headaches, and any other associated symptoms. Here are some recommended options:

1. CBD-Rich Strains

  • Benefits: High-CBD strains are particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation and easing pain without the psychoactive effects associated with high levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). CBD can also help reduce anxiety, which can sometimes accompany cluster headaches.
  • Example: Charlotte’s Web is a popular CBD-dominant strain known for its calming and anti-inflammatory effects, making it a suitable option for daytime relief without cognitive impairment.

2. Indica-Dominant Strains for Pain Relief and Relaxation

  • Benefits: Indica strains are known for their sedative and relaxing effects. They are often used to treat severe pain and promote relaxation and sleep, which can be helpful during a cluster headache attack or for managing symptoms afterward.
  • Example: Northern Lights is a commonly recommended indica strain that provides significant pain relief and a calming sensation, ideal for alleviating the intense discomfort associated with cluster headaches.

3. Hybrid Strains for Balanced Symptom Management

  • Benefits: Hybrid strains combine elements of both sativa and indica varieties, offering balanced effects that may relieve pain while keeping the patient alert and focused. This is especially useful for those who need relief from cluster headaches during the day.
  • Example: Cannatonic is a popular hybrid strain that features a balanced ratio of CBD to THC, helping to reduce pain, ease tension, and minimize anxiety without overwhelming psychoactive effects.

4. Sativa-Dominant Strains (With Caution)

  • Benefits: Sativa strains may provide an uplifting effect and alleviate pain and fatigue. However, because some sativas can increase anxiety for certain users, they should be used cautiously and under the supervision of a specialist.
  • Example: Sour Diesel offers pain-relief properties while promoting alertness, though it should be considered carefully based on individual tolerance and headache triggers.

Can cannabis help with cluster headaches?

Some patients report relief from cluster headaches with cannabis use, though more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness. In the UK, obtaining a cannabis prescription specifically for cluster headaches remains rare and would require consultation with a specialist.

Can a doctor prescribe cannabis for cluster headaches?

In the UK, doctors typically prescribe cannabis for chronic pain and other specific conditions, not for cluster headaches. However, in certain cases where standard treatments prove ineffective, specialist doctors may consider prescribing cannabis.