What are common symptoms associated with cluster headaches?

Cluster headaches are characterized by severe unilateral periorbital pain, which is a hallmark symptom of this type of headache. This pain is often described as intense and can be debilitating, typically occurring in bouts or clusters that last for weeks to months. The pain usually occurs on one side of the head and is often accompanied by additional symptoms such as lacrimation (tearing), nasal congestion, and ptosis (drooping eyelid) on the same side as the headache.

In contrast, visual auras and dizziness are more commonly associated with migraine headaches. Insomnia and fatigue can be general symptoms experienced by individuals with various types of headaches but are not specific indicators of cluster headaches. Severe throbbing head pain might suggest migration as well, which typically presents with a pulsating quality and is often bilateral, rather than the unilateral nature characteristic of cluster headaches.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing cluster headaches and distinguishing them from other headache types.