Does oxygen
work for cluster headaches?
Yes, it is
an excellent way to stop an acute attack. It has been shown in a number of
studies that briefly inhaling oxygen (60%-100%) either through a mask or a
nasal cannula can rapidly relieve cluster headaches. Oxygen treatment is deemed
safe, relatively cheap and works immediately. The only drawback is that one has
to have a container of oxygen around when the attack happens. It is also highly
recommended that the individual not smoke during this therapy. Many companies
market portable oxygen units that can be transported in back pack. These
lightweight canisters can easily be carried almost anywhere.
Some
individuals find that that oxygen only decreases intensity and not the duration
of headache. Others find that with time, oxygen fails to work for acute
headaches but does help prevent further attacks from coming on.
Once oxygen
is inhaled, the relief from pain occurs in a few minutes. The majority of
individuals who have used oxygen indicate that it does help initially. However,
with recurrent attacks oxygen often fails to reduce the intensity of headaches.
Nevertheless, oxygen should always be the first therapy for cluster headaches.
Current studies indicate that oxygen can abort at least 70-85 percent of
cluster headaches.
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