Cluster Headaches
Medical cannabis is a therapeutic option that could help alleviate the debilitating pain and frequency of cluster headaches, improving patient well-being.
Unlike regular headaches, cluster headaches cause severe, debilitating pain, and affect around 1 in 1,000 people in the UK. This may occur several times a day for weeks or months before subsiding for a period of time, but everyone’s experience is different. They’re often described as an “attack” due to their sudden onset. The cause is unknown, but triggers may include alcohol, strong smells, exercise, or seasonal changes.
Symptoms
Cluster headaches cause piercing pain or burning on one side of the head, often lasting between 15 minutes and 3 hours. They may also cause nausea or disrupted sleep.
Treatments
Treatments for cluster headaches include pain medications called triptans. These can be administered in a medical setting as injections or a nasal spray for rapid relief, and are considered one of the most successful, fast-acting treatment options. Historic use of cannabis for headache disorders has shown its effectiveness as an alternative, at-home treatment, with patients experiencing less frequent and intense episodes.
36%
A 2020 study found almost 36% of medical cannabis users reported using it to treat headache disorders, with successful results
25.9%
A 2012 study found almost a fifth of subjects tried cannabis to treat cluster headaches, with 25.9% reporting some relief
20%
Cluster headaches are known to be resistant to conventional therapies in around 20% of cases
Get high quality medicinal cannabis fromthe doctor to your door.
Word from our expert
Dr Sunil Arora Chief Medical Officer
Medical cannabis is increasingly used by patients seeking relief from the severe pain of cluster headaches.
It can help reduce both the frequency and intensity of attacks, providing much-needed relief.
At Emerald, we specialise in creating personalised treatment plans that incorporate medical cannabis to effectively manage cluster headache symptoms and improve your quality of life.
