What is an effective treatment for cluster headaches?

Inhalation of oxygen is considered an effective treatment for cluster headaches. This treatment works by providing high-flow oxygen (usually at a rate of 7-10 liters per minute) through a mask for about 15 to 20 minutes. Oxygen therapy is thought to alleviate pain by promoting vasoconstriction and reducing blood flow to the cranial vasculature, which can help interrupt the intense pain cycle associated with cluster headaches.

Cluster headaches have distinct characteristics, such as being unilateral and occurring in cyclical patterns, making prompt and effective intervention crucial for patient comfort. Oxygen therapy is often employed as a first-line option due to its rapid action and minimal side effects.

The other treatments mentioned, while they may be used in certain conditions, do not offer the same level of efficacy for acute management of cluster headaches. Over-the-counter pain relievers typically do not provide sufficient relief for the severe pain of cluster headaches. Intranasal corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation in other headache types but are not specifically indicated for acute treatment of cluster headaches. Relaxation therapy is more suited for tension-type headaches rather than for clusters, where physiological and vascular changes play a more significant role in pain generation.