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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffThe following measures may help you avoid a cluster attack during a cluster cycle:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Cluster periods may begin when there are changes in your normal sleep schedule. During a cluster period, follow your usual sleep routine.
- Avoid alcohol. Alcohol consumption, including beer and wine, almost always triggers a headache during a cluster period. This can happen quickly, even before you finish your first drink.
- Limit exposure to volatile substances. Prolonged exposure to substances such as solvents, gasoline and oil-based paints may trigger an attack.
- Be cautious in high altitudes. During a cluster period, the reduced oxygen at high altitudes may trigger a headache.
- Avoid tobacco products. Nicotine may trigger a headache during a cluster period. If you're prone to cluster headache, it's best to stop smoking and avoid other tobacco products.
- Avoid nitrates. During a cluster period, nitrates may trigger a headaches for some people. Foods that contain nitrates include smoked and processed meats. Certain medications, such as nitroglycerin, also may contain nitrates.
References
- Bajwa ZH, et al. Patient information: Headache causes and diagnosis in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
- Goetz CG. Headache. In: Goetz CG. Textbook of Clinical Neurology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/115317111-2/787037600/1488/451.html. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
- Leroux E, et al. Cluster headache. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 2008;3:20.
- Headache: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm?css=print. Accessed Dec. 29, 2008.
- Bajwa ZH, et al. Approach to the patient with headache syndromes other than migraine. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
- Treatment of primary headache: Cluster headache. National Guideline Clearinghouse. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=6582&nbr=004142&string=clus. Accessed Jan. 2, 2009.
- Bajwa ZH, et al. Patient information: Headache treatment in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 19, 2008.
- Magis D, et al. Neurostimulation in Chronic Cluster Headache. Current Pain and Headache Reports. 2008;12:145.
- Rossi P, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with cluster headache: Results of a multi-centre headache clinic survey. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2008;16:220.
- Swanson JW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Jan. 12, 2009.
