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cluster headache

cluster headache

1 4.7
Very severe pain on one side of the head near the eye that comes in periods
  • noun
  • /ˈklʌstər ˈhɛdˌeɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cefalea en racimo
  • According to the International Headache Society, primary headache includes migraine, tension-type headache, chronic daily headache, cluster headache, facial pain, and analgesia overuse headache.
  • get cluster headaches
  • migraines and cluster headaches

Examples

  • Cluster headache can develop at any age, but commonly starts between the ages of 20 and 40 years.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Cluster headache is intensely painful, unilateral, and often begins behind one eye.

    Academic text (2011)
  • During a cluster headache, the internal carotid artery floods with blood, exacerbating the intense pain.

    Academic text (2011)
  • During a cluster headache, a person experiences excruciating pain on one side of the head, often around the eye.

  • My friend suffers from cluster headaches that occur regularly, making it difficult for him to focus at work.

  • If you have cluster headaches, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper treatment.

Synonyms

headache
vscluster headache
427 1.0

A continuous pain in the head

is a severe recurring one-sided pain often near the eye in cycles
cephalalgia
vscluster headache
  • Specialized
9.9

A pain in the head that often comes from tense muscles, blood vessel changes, or medicine side effects

is more specifically a severe recurring one-sided pain occurring in cycles

Antonyms

440 1.0

A feeling of comfort when pain or worry goes away

How Severe

excruciating
46 7.9
cluster headache
  • Specialized
1 4.7
headache
427 1.0

Surface Forms

Morphology

cluster + headache

The compound is directly compositional: 'cluster' (a group) modifies 'headache', so a learner who knows both words can infer it refers to headaches that occur in groups or episodes. Although clinical details (severity, typical location around the eye) are specialized and not fully derivable, the core sense of recurring/grouped headaches is transparent.

Etymology

Cluster headache comes from the way the pain happens in tight groups; a cluster is like a bunch of things close together. The pain often comes many times near the 'eye' on 'one side' of the head, so the name now means very strong headaches that happen in 'clusters' of 'attacks'.