Cluster headaches treatment with Prednisone

About 90% of headaches are caused by tension. They are an annoyance and pass away quite quickly. The remaining 10% of headaches are either migraines or the less common and most painful cluster headaches which seem to be caused by a disruption in the hypothalamus. Thу last is only about 1% of the headaches experienced. Cluster headaches can be episodic or chronic where attacks occur regularly more than once a month for more than one year.

When the pain strikes, it lives up to the nickname "suicide headaches". Coming without warning, the pain becomes severe within fifteen minutes, usually centering on the face around the eyes. People who suffer regular attacks have a higher suicide rate. Unfortunately, this form of headache seems to run in families, but can also be triggered by head injuries, sleep disorders, high altitude and bright light. The first treatment response is to give oxygen and one of the triptan sulfa drugs used for headaches. The long-term preventive treatment relies on a calcium-channel blocker drug but it takes two to three weeks to become effective in the body. To bridge between the emergency and long-term treatment, Prednisone is used to stabilize the patient. Because this use is only for a short period, the risk of dependence is very small. Once the blocker drug takes effect, the Prednisone can be withdrawn. Should the headaches persist, it may be necessary to switch to other long-term drugs - some doctors use antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs. the tablets can again be used during the switch over but, because of the risk of dependence, the length of time and dosage must be carefully controlled. It would be unfortunate if the headaches were prevented but you ended up dependent on Prednisone.