Cluster Headache - Supplements

 
Cluster Headache
A sharp, recurring pain around the eye or upper face may mean more than your average headache. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may be helpful.
  • Manage pain with melatonin

    Take 10 mg of this natural hormone before bedtime to decrease the frequency of cluster headaches

  • Consider capsaicin Consult a healthcare provider experienced with intranasal capsaicin treatment, which may ease the pain and reduce recurrences
  • Experiment with oxygen therapy See a healthcare provider experienced with oxygen therapy to find out if it reduces the pain of cluster headache attacks
Also indexed as:
  • ciliary neuralgia,
  • cluster headache,
  • cluster headaches,
  • histamine cephalgia,
  • Horton's headache,
  • migrainous neuralgia,
  • red migraine

About this treatment

What Are "Star" Ratings?

a7_3star Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.

a7_2star Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

a7_1star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.


SupplementAmountWhy
Cayenne
Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner2 stars Capsaicin, a constituent of cayenne pepper, applied inside the nostrils may ease the pain of cluster headaches and reduce recurrences.


2 stars Cayenne

Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner

Substance P is a nerve chemical involved in pain transmission that may cause some of the symptoms of cluster headache.13 , 14 Capsaicin, a constituent of cayenne pepper, can reduce the levels of substance P in nerves.15 Preliminary clinical trials investigating the use of intranasal capsaicin for the prevention and treatment of cluster headaches report significant decreases in the number of cluster episodes in some of the participants.16 The decreases usually lasted no more than 40 days after the end of treatment,17 although a few patients have experienced relief for up to two years.18 In a double-blind study, patients who received capsaicin intranasally twice daily for seven days during a cluster episode had a significant reduction in pain for the following 15 days.19 As capsaicin can cause burning and irritation, this treatment should be utilized only under the supervision of a qualified doctor.


SupplementAmountWhy
Melatonin
Take under medical supervision: 10 mg daily in the evening2 stars Taking melatonin before bedtime has been shown to reduce the frequency of cluster headaches.


2 stars Melatonin

Take under medical supervision: 10 mg daily in the evening

Researchers have found low levels of the hormone melatonin in cluster headache patients.20 , 21 , 22 , 23 In a small double-blind trial, a group of cluster headache sufferers took a 10 mg evening dose of melatonin for 14 days. About half of the group saw a significant decrease in the frequency of their headaches within three to five days, after which no further headaches occurred until melatonin was discontinued.24 Melatonin appears to be effective against both types of cluster headache (e.g., episodic and chronic). 25 More research is needed to establish the long-term effects of melatonin supplementation on cluster headache.


SupplementAmountWhy
Magnesium
Refer to label instructions 1 star People who suffer from cluster headaches often have low blood levels of magnesium, magnesium injections have been shown to bring relief.


1 star Magnesium

People who suffer from cluster headaches often have low blood levels of magnesium, and preliminary trials26 , 27 show that intravenous magnesium injections may relieve a cluster headache episode. However, no trials have investigated the effects of oral magnesium supplementation on cluster headaches.


Last Review: 05-11-2011

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. Self-treatment is not recommended for life-threatening conditions that require medical treatment under a doctor's care. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.

© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

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