Articles

Monday, September 29th, 2025

Cluster headaches are among the most severe types of headaches, causing excruciating pain. Veterans suffering from cluster headaches have new treatment options to consider.Understanding Cluster HeadachesThese headaches occur in cyclical patterns or clusters, with intense pain on one side of the head, often around the eye.Neuromodulation TherapiesNeuromodulation involves stimulating nerves to alleviate pain.Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A non-invasive device stimulates the vagus nerve to reduce headache frequency.Sphenopalatine Ganglion Stimulation: An implantable device targets nerves associated with cluster headaches.Oxygen TherapyInhaling pure oxygen at the onset of a headache can provide rapid relief.Benefits of Oxygen Therapy:Non-invasive and safeQuick symptom reliefMinimal side effectsEmerging MedicationsNew drugs, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) inhibitors, show promise in treating cluster headaches.ConclusionAdvancements in medical technology offer hope for those battling cluster headaches. Veterans should consult their healthcare providers to explore these innovative treatments.