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CloseTreatment Options for Cluster Headaches
Complementary Therapies for Cluster Headaches
There are no studies to prove the efficacy or safety of most alternative therapies. It is important to notify your health care provider if you are using any alternative therapies, no matter how insignificant or benign they may seem.
Cluster headache is a debilitating form of headache which causes significant distress for those who experience them. While conventional treatments are effective for most individuals with cluster headache, those who are not helped are likely to seek alternative treatment. In addition, others who may seek alternative treatments include:
- Patients who do not want to experience the side effects of high doses of medications needed to control their headaches
- Patients who lack access to conventional treatment because of issues such as medical insurance, limited financial means, distance from specialty headache clinics, or cannot find physicians knowledgeable about cluster headache
Alternative and complementary therapies that have been associated with the treatment of cluster headache include:
- Intravenous magnesium - some patients report efficacy with intravenous magnesium
- St. Johns Wort to treat depression associated with cluster headache
- Feverfew
- Botulinum toxin A
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic treatment
- Biofeedback
- Progressive muscle relaxation - biofeedback and progressive muscle relaxation are the two most widely accepted therapies for preventing and controlling cluster headache. Some patients report a 50% reduction in intensity and frequency of headaches.
- Massage therapy
- Reflexology
- Aromatherapy
It is important to note that most of these therapies have not undergone rigorous scientific testing for safety or efficacy nor have they undergone clinical trials. For further information on complementary therapies for cluster headache, please follow this link:
Some modifications and adjustments in daily routine that cluster headache patients report to be helpful include:
- Taking their medication with caffeine which may enhance the effect of the medication
- Vigorously exercising during a cluster attack has been claimed by some individuals to diminish the intensity of the headaches
These modifications have not undergone clinical trials.