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Cluster Headaches
What causes Cluster headaches is not exactly known, though more evidence is pointing at the involvement of a part of the inner brain called the Hypothalamus.
In contrast to Migraines or Tension headaches, Cluster headaches are like clockwork. They start about the same time every day suddenly. They don't seem to have any triggers. Patients describe the pain as having a hot stick poke thru their head or eye socket. There is usually tearing and drooping of the eye lid. These headaches are usually one sided. They occur everyday, several times a day. The attacks can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours. The majority of the headaches occur at night time, typically 1-2 hours after falling sleep.
Risk factors for Cluster headaches are gender (males usually), age (mid 20's), smoking and genetics. Some patient on Nitroglycerin report experiencing Cluster headaches as well.
Since the cause for cluster headaches is not well understood, there are really no cures. The focus is on making the headaches less frequent and more manageable.