Take This Quiz to Find Out If You Have Migraines or Cluster Headaches
Headaches can be confusing and debilitating. Two of the most common severe headache types are migraines and cluster headaches. While they share some similarities, there are key differences in their symptoms, patterns, triggers and treatments.
This quiz will help you determine whether your headaches are migraines or cluster headaches based on your specific symptoms and experiences. Identifying the type is the first step in finding effective relief.
Symptom Patterns
How often do your headaches occur?
A. Nearly every day
B. 1-2 times per week
C. 1-2 times per month
D. Less than once a month
How long do your headache attacks usually last?
A. 15 minutes to 3 hours
B. 4 to 72 hours
C. More than 72 hours
Migraines typically occur a few times per month and last 4-72 hours if untreated. Cluster headaches are more frequent, occurring daily in cycles and lasting 15 minutes up to a few hours.
Pain Location
Where do you typically feel headache pain?
A. One side of the head, eye, temple or forehead
B. Both sides of the head
C. Back of the head/neck
The pain of cluster headaches is nearly always one-sided around the eye, temple and forehead. Migraine pain can be one-sided or two-sided, often starting on one side.
Pain Type
How would you describe the pain of your headaches?
A. Throbbing, pulsating
B. Sharp, stabbing, burning
Migraines usually cause a pulsating pain described as throbbing or pounding. Cluster headaches lead to severe stabbing or burning pain.
Other Symptoms
Do you experience any of these other symptoms with your headaches?
A. Nausea or vomiting
B. Watery eyes or nasal congestion
C. Light and sound sensitivity
D. Drooping eyelid
E. Restlessness or agitation
Sensitivity to light, sound, smells and nausea are common with migraines. Cluster headaches cause watery eyes, runny nose, and agitation. Some people have drooping eyelids.
Triggers
Are certain triggers associated with your headaches?
A. Hormone changes, foods, stress
B. Alcohol use
C. Seasonal allergies
D. They start spontaneously
Migraines can be triggered by hormones, diet, weather, sleep changes, stress and other factors. Cluster headaches may be triggered by alcohol, histamine, allergies, or warmth.
Timing
When do your headaches tend to occur?
A. In the morning
B. In the middle of the night
C. Any time of day
Cluster headaches often strike in the middle of the night. Migraine timing is less predictable and may occur at any time.
Frequency Patterns
How frequently do your headache episodes occur?
A. In predictable patterns or cycles
B. Sporadically
Cluster headaches occur in cyclical patterns, with cluster periods lasting weeks or months followed by remission periods. Migraines are more sporadic and less predictable.
Response to Treatment
How well do headaches respond to migraine medications like sumatriptan?
A. Very effective
B. Moderately effective
C. Not effective
Migraines often respond well to triptan medications that constrict blood vessels. Cluster headaches do not respond to these medications.
Lifestyle Factors During Headaches
What do you tend to do when experiencing a severe headache?
A. Retreat to a dark quiet room
B. Pace around
Light and sound sensitivity lead migraine sufferers to seek dark, quiet settings. Cluster headache agitation causes restlessness and pacing.
Family History
Do you have any family members that suffer from severe headaches?
A. Yes, migraines run in my family
B. Yes, cluster headaches run in my family
C. No family history of headaches
Genetics play a role in both migraine and cluster headaches. Having a family history can provide clues about headache type.
Understanding Your Headache Profile
Now that you've answered the questions, review your responses to see if a pattern emerges. Here is some guidance on interpreting headache profiles:
Indicators of Migraine Headaches
- Headaches occur a few times per month and last 4-72 hours
- Pain is pounding or throbbing
- Pain is moderate to severe
- Pain is aggravated by physical activity
- Nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light/sound
- Triggers like foods, hormones, or stress
- Relief from resting in a dark quiet room
- Migraines run in family
Indicators of Cluster Headaches
- Daily headache cycles lasting weeks or months
- Excruciating stabbing or burning eye pain
- Watery eye and nasal congestion
- Occur at night and wake you from sleep
- Agitation and restlessness
- Alcohol trigger
- Pacing around for relief
- Cluster headaches run in family
Pay attention to the frequency, severity, triggers, and patterns associated with your headaches. By identifying these details, you can determine whether migraines or clusters are plaguing you.
Achieving Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment
Recognizing your specific headache profile is an important first step, but seeking professional diagnosis from a headache specialist or neurologist is critical.
Your doctor can help confirm whether you have migraines or cluster headaches based on your symptoms, medical history, family history and response to treatments. They may order tests or scans to rule out other underlying causes.
Accurate diagnosis paves the way for effective treatment. While migraines and clusters share some general treatment approaches like avoiding triggers, abortive and preventive medications are tailored for each condition. Getting the right meds makes a tremendous difference in finding relief.
For migraines, triptans, ergots, anti-seizure drugs and Botox injections prevent or stop attacks. High flow oxygen, steroids, nerve blocks, and stimulators can help treat cluster headache cycles and episodes.
Don’t give up hope if you are suffering from severe headaches. Getting to the bottom of your symptoms with this quiz, diagnosis, and targeted treatments can help you reclaim your quality of life.
FAQs
What are the main differences between migraines and cluster headaches?
Migraines cause moderate to severe throbbing pain that lasts 4-72 hours, while clusters lead to excruciating stabbing pain for 15 minutes to 3 hours. Migraines are sporadic and clusters occur in frequent cycles.
What symptoms are unique to cluster headaches?
Cluster headaches cause watery eyes, nasal congestion, agitation, and restlessness. They often strike at night and wake people from sleep.
What triggers migraines but not clusters?
Some migraine triggers that don't affect clusters are hormonal changes, foods like aged cheese and alcohol, weather, and stress.
How are migraines and clusters treated differently?
Migraines respond to triptan medications while clusters do not. Clusters are treated with high flow oxygen, steroids, nerve blocks, and stimulators.
When should I see a doctor for headaches?
See a neurologist or headache specialist if you have frequent severe headaches to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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