How to prepare for a video visit about Cluster Headache - Triage

Audience: adult

Cluster headache is a type of severe headache that often comes in groups or "clusters." These headaches cause intense pain on one side of your head, usually around the eye. They may happen daily for weeks or months and then stop for a time. Preparing for a video visit about cluster headache can help you and your healthcare provider understand your symptoms better. During the visit, you can discuss your pain, triggers, and any treatments you have tried. This guide helps you get ready for your telemedicine appointment, explains what telemedicine can and cannot do for cluster headaches, and outlines important warning signs that need urgent care. Remember, this information is for education and triage only and is not a diagnosis or treatment plan.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe headache unlike previous headaches — seek emergency care immediately.
• Weakness, numbness, difficulty speaking, or vision changes during headache — get urgent medical attention.
• Fever with stiff neck or confusion alongside headache — go to emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing headache symptoms and history.
• Providing education about cluster headaches.
• Advising on when to seek in-person or emergency care.
• Helping manage ongoing headache treatment plans.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical neurological examinations.
• Ordering or interpreting imaging tests like MRI or CT scans.
• Providing emergency treatment for sudden severe symptoms.
• Diagnosing other serious causes of headache without in-person evaluation.

What is a Cluster Headache?

Cluster headaches are very painful headaches that usually happen on one side of the head, often around the eye. They tend to occur in groups or "clusters," lasting weeks or months, followed by headache-free periods. Symptoms can include tearing, redness of the eye, nasal congestion, or restlessness during attacks. Understanding your symptoms helps your healthcare provider during the video visit.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your telemedicine appointment, gather information about your headache patterns. Note when headaches started, how often they happen, how long they last, and what makes them better or worse. Write down any medicines or treatments you have tried, including over-the-counter drugs. Find a quiet, private space with good internet connection for the video call. Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.

What Telemedicine Can Do for Cluster Headaches

A video visit allows your healthcare provider to learn about your headache symptoms and medical history. They can help decide if your headaches are likely cluster headaches and suggest next steps. Telemedicine can provide education about managing headaches and recommend when to seek in-person care.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot perform physical exams or imaging tests needed to rule out other causes of headache. It also cannot provide emergency care if your symptoms are severe or worsening rapidly. If you have sudden, severe headache or neurological symptoms, seek urgent in-person care immediately.

Red Flags: When to Get Emergency Care

Seek emergency care if you experience:

These signs may indicate a serious condition needing immediate attention.

After Your Video Visit: Next Steps

Follow your provider's advice about medications or referrals. Keep a headache diary to track symptoms and triggers. If symptoms change or worsen, schedule an in-person visit. Maintain follow-up appointments as recommended to manage your condition effectively.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down details about your headaches: onset, frequency, duration, intensity, and triggers.
• List all medications and treatments you have tried, including doses.
• Prepare a quiet, private space with good internet for your video visit.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss with your provider.
• Ensure your device's camera and microphone work properly before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Keep a headache diary to monitor symptoms and triggers.
• Schedule follow-up visits as recommended.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Contact your provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

What causes cluster headaches?

The exact cause of cluster headaches is not fully understood. They may involve abnormalities in the body's biological clock and blood vessel changes in the brain. Certain triggers like alcohol or strong smells can sometimes bring on attacks during a cluster period.

How are cluster headaches treated?

Treatment often includes fast-acting medications to relieve pain during attacks and preventive medicines to reduce the number and severity of headaches. Oxygen therapy may also be used. Your healthcare provider can discuss options during your visit.

Can cluster headaches be cured?

Cluster headaches typically come in cycles and may improve over time, but there is no known cure. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and reducing the frequency of attacks.

When should I seek emergency care for a headache?

Seek emergency care if you have a sudden, severe headache unlike any before, weakness or numbness, trouble speaking, vision loss, fever with stiff neck, confusion, or loss of consciousness. These could be signs of a serious condition.

Can I use telemedicine for all my headache care?

Telemedicine is helpful for discussing symptoms, education, and follow-up care. However, some situations require in-person evaluation, such as neurological exams or imaging tests. Your provider will guide you on when to seek in-person care.

Sources

1. Cluster Headache — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Cluster Headache: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Headache Disorders — World Health Organization (WHO).
4. Cluster Headache: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you experience any emergency symptoms or worsening condition, seek immediate medical attention.