What Is “Suicide Headache”?
By Abby Chua
DO|Neurologist and Headache Specialist (West Hartford, Connecticut)
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1 minute
Some types of headache can be so severe that they are often called “Suicide Headache”.
“Cluster Headache (aka “suicide headache”) is an incredibly painful, sharp/knife-like headache type that more commonly occurs in men (unlike migraine which is more common in women). The age of onset is usually between 20-40 years old.
The pain of Cluster Headache can be so severe that patients have been known to hit their head against the wall or floor during attacks, in an effort to mask the pain of Cluster Headache (CH).
CH can be difficult to treat and has been called “suicide headache” because, in extreme cases, people have tried to harm themselves when they are unable to find ant relief from their pain.
But there is a hope!
There are several exciting new treatment for Cluster Headache! These include a once-a-month preventive injection medication and a non-invasive medical device that can be used as a preventive and an acute treatment.
If you have CH and are still looking for help managing your disease, please talk to your doctor. “
Cluster Headache is linked to alcohol and smoking and can be triggered by stress and emotional factor*
*Onset of cluster headache triggered by emotional effect: a case report
