Severe head pain is often labeled as “migraine,” but not all intense headaches are migraines.
Cluster headaches are rare but extremely severe. They are classified as trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias and are known for producing sudden, intense, stabbing pain around or behind one eye. The pain is strictly one-sided and often described as burning or piercing. However, they may occur multiple times per day during a cluster cycle that lasts weeks or months.
Migraine headaches, by contrast, usually cause throbbing or pulsating pain that can last 4 to 72 hours. Migraine headache symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and sensitivity to sound (phonophobia). Many individuals with migraine prefer to lie down in a dark, quiet
room during an attack.
The behavioral difference is notable: people with cluster headaches often feel restless and may pace due to the intensity of pain, while people living with migraine typically seek stillness.
Treatment approaches differ significantly. Accurate diagnosis ensures patients receive appropriate therapy rather than ineffective migraine remedies.
If severe headaches are occurring in predictable cycles and centered around one eye with autonomic symptoms, cluster headache should be considered.
Severe one-sided headaches in Burlington, Ontario should be evaluated to determine whether cluster headache or migraine treatment is appropriate.
To book a consultation, call Nabeta Dentistry at (905) 639-6701 or request an appointment online at NabetaDentistry.com/appointment-request. Dr. Jared Nabeta, General Dentist, assesses jaw pain and TMD, including headache related to TMD. Treatment for migraine is offered only for migraine diagnosed by a physician, in coordination with the patient’s physician.