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HBOT is an extremely useful modality in the abortive management of migraine headaches. Research at the University of Pittsburgh published in the journal Headache found that 90% of migraine patients experienced almost complete relief of pain when treated acutely with HBOT.
Cluster headaches are rare, extremely painful, and debilitating headaches that occur in groups or clusters. These headaches affect one side of the head (unilateral) and may involve tearing of the eyes and a stuffy nose. Unlike migraines, more men experience this type of headache than women. They can affect people of any age, but are most common between adolescence and middle age. No discernable pattern can be found among families in the development of cluster headaches. While no specific cause has been found for the disorder, it appears to be related to a sudden release of histamine or serotonin by the body tissue. The onset is sudden and most commonly happens during the dreaming (REM) phase of sleep. The headaches may occur daily for months, alternating with periods without the headaches (episodic), or they can recur for a year or more without stopping (chronic). A person may experience alternating chronic and episodic phases. Some people who experience cluster headaches are heavy smokers. Alcohol, glare, stress, or certain foods may trigger an attack.
The goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms. Smoking, alcohol use, specific foods, and other factors that seem to trigger cluster headaches should be avoided. A headache diary may be helpful in identifying triggers. When a headache occurs, record the date and time it starts. In addition, list all activities, substances used, and food/drink consumed within the previous 24 hours, as well as any other factors that seem significant.
HBOT seems to be useful in the treatment of cluster headaches, particularly for frequent headaches that occur at night. Side effects of mild ear and sinus pressure have been reported. According to Cephalalgia, published by the International Headache Society, sixteen randomly selected patients, twelve with episodic and four with chronic cluster headaches (according to the International Headache Society criteria) were selected to start with one out of two different hyperbaric treatments in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. The results showed that 83% of the episodic cluster headache patients and 25% of the chronic ones responded to either of the two treatments with at least 50% reduction in the severity and number of attacks or remission for shorter or longer periods of time.
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