Cluster Headache Triggers: Foods and Other Factors

Articles all over the Internet will inform you that there are no triggers for cluster headaches. I have been a cluster headache sufferer for four years now and I am here to let you know that certain food, drinks and other factors will indeed trigger a cluster headache as well as factor into the severity of the pain of the headache.

Cluster headache is a rare condition that affects men more often than women, within the age range of 20 to 40 years old. Cluster headaches derive their name from the fact that the symptoms occur in frequent attacks, called a cluster cycle, during certain times of the year, usually in the spring and fall. When not in a cluster cycle, the headaches will go into a dormant phase where the individual will experience no pain for months.

Cluster headaches are one of the most debilitating among headaches. The sufferer will bang their head against the wall, pull their hair, cry, fall to the floor and curl into a fetal position and pray for death. Cluster headache has often been referred to as the suicide headache, as many individuals have actually committed suicide in order to escape this excruciating pain.

During my four year battle with cluster headache, I have learned as much as possible in order to expand my understanding of cluster headaches in hopes of having more control for my pain. I have read articles and also been advised by many individuals, that there are no triggers for cluster headaches. Through careful observation and keeping a journal of my clusters, I have come to some conclusions that prove certain foods, drinks and other factors will indeed trigger a cluster headache.

Cluster Headache Triggers

Alcohol: First and foremost, avoid alcohol products of any kind, although I have found that beer and red wine will trigger a cluster headache within 15 minutes of drinking even the smallest amount.

Chocolate: Chocolate will trigger a cluster headache as well as any food containing chocolate. Dark chocolate will trigger a cluster with the most intense pain.

Processed Meats: Processed meats such as smoked sausage, wieners, cold cuts all have the potential to trigger a cluster headache.

Sudden Temperature Change: Sudden temperature change will trigger a cluster headache. Leaving a warm room to go outside where the temperature is much colder or leaving a cool atmosphere and suddenly getting too hot.

Tobacco Products: Avoid tobacco products while experiencing a cluster headache. While the tobacco will not normally trigger a headache if you are a smoker, the tobacco will increase the severity and length of the attack. If you are a non-smoker the odor of the tobacco could trigger a cluster headache.

Cologne or Intense Odors: Use cologne sparingly during a cluster cycle as cologne and other strong fragrances or odors could cause a cluster attack.

Stress: Stress plays a large role in cluster headaches. Something as simple as burning the chicken you were frying for dinner, that one pound you noticed you gained on the scales, your husband coming home a few minutes late from work or even breaking a nail can trigger a cluster headache. Try to stay as calm as possible during cycle in order to avoid a cluster attack.

There are definitely triggers that will cause a cluster headache. You will learn as time goes by what your triggers are and what to avoid. In the meanwhile try avoiding the foods and other factors that are mentioned in this article, you may find yourself experiencing less frequent and less severe cluster headache attacks.

The information in this article should not be considered as medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on the Internet. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed.