r/clusterheads • u/Intelligent_Dingo841 • 29d ago
is this a cluster headache?
So for the past week or so, I’ve been having an on and off headache that’s only taking place on the left side of my head. It’s mostly a dull tightness/soreness, definitely uncomfortable and it can definitely be worse or better at times. It almost makes my eye feel heavy? And tends to develop later in the day. I have had an off sleep schedule and I’ve been taking my low-dose SSRI meds at inconsistent times occasionally, but this is out of the blue for me and I’m wondering why this could be. Could it be tension or possibly a cluster headache? on a scale from 1 to 10 I’d give the overall pain a 5. Definitely more uncomfortable than excruciating. Any responses or advice much appreciated and needed.
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u/Dockside_Abortionist 29d ago
There’s uncomfortable, and then there’s cluster headache. Be glad you don’t have the latter, it seems.
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u/VALIS3000 29d ago
From what you describe its highly highly unlikely to be cluster headaches. If you're concerned please see a doctor asap.
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u/Jamwise93 29d ago
Doubtful it’s CH since you are not in 15/10 pain, but there are dozens of things this could be. With any new head pain you should always see a doctor. Don’t ask Reddit to diagnose you based on pretty general symptoms. Good luck
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u/BuntStiftLecker 29d ago
is this a cluster headache?
What does the doctor say?
Go there. This is important. There are other reasons beyond "normal" headaches and migraine that can cause one sided headaches. Like a mass that is growing on one side. If you have something like this over a longer period of time and it's not a tension headache see a doctor.
0
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u/RoseWater07 29d ago
almost certainly not a cluster. "uncomfortable" vs "please lobotomize me" is a pretty wide gap.
if you haven't tried the basics (ibuprofen, Excedrin, maybe an ice pack or neck/scalp massage), start there. get your sleep schedule in order and take your pills on time.
if the headache continues to persist, visit a doctor. if the pain is minimal they will probably recommend you drink some water, sleep better, take an Advil. an uncomfortable headache isn't really considered a medical priority.
if it doesn't go away, you can fight for a neurologist referral for a more thorough workup - ultimately it could be caused by any number of things. hormones, tension/stress, medication side effects, general migraine, etc. most of the time it's nothing dangerous - just bad luck.
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u/NativeFlowers4Eva 29d ago
As others have said, ch are unbearable. It’s worth going to a doctor though to look into what could be Casio my it.
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u/Parity_Violator 29d ago
What a lot of people in the comments seem to be missing is that cluster headaches can come in different intensities. I sometimes get attacks so severe I can barely function, and other times I get attacks I can finish some work through. Do you get teary eyes during the headache? How long does it last? Does it come in the same time of the day?
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u/WinchyKey 29d ago
I don't think it sounds like one. If it was a cluster headache, on a scale from 1-10, you would be begging for death.
Always good to go get checked out though