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

Audience: pediatric

Cluster headaches are severe headaches that often occur in cycles or clusters. They usually cause intense pain around one eye or on one side of the head. In children, these headaches are less common but can be very distressing. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help understand symptoms and decide if further care is needed. During the visit, you may be asked about the headache's timing, location, and any other symptoms. Preparing for the video call by having a quiet space and a list of questions can help make the visit effective. This guide helps families prepare for a telemedicine visit about cluster headaches, explains what telemedicine can and cannot do, and highlights important warning signs that need urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe headache unlike usual headaches — seek emergency care immediately.
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking during a headache — call emergency services.
• Fever with stiff neck or confusion along with headache — go to emergency department promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom discussion and history taking.
• Reviewing headache patterns and triggers.
• Providing guidance on headache diaries and symptom tracking.
• Deciding if urgent in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing detailed neurological exams requiring hands-on assessment.
• Ordering or interpreting advanced imaging tests during the visit.
• Administering emergency treatments or procedures.
• Diagnosing conditions that require physical examination or hospital tests.

What is a Cluster Headache?

Cluster headaches are a type of headache that causes very strong pain, usually on one side of the head, often around one eye. They tend to happen in groups or "clusters" over weeks or months, followed by periods without headaches. Though rare in children, recognizing them early can help manage symptoms better.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit place with a good internet connection. Write down details about your child's headaches, such as when they started, how often they happen, how long they last, and what the pain feels like. Note any other symptoms like eye redness, tearing, or nasal stuffiness. Have a list of questions ready to ask the healthcare provider.

What to Expect During the Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's headache history and symptoms. They may ask about family history and any medications your child is taking. A physical exam may be limited during video visits, but the provider may guide you to show certain areas or observe your child's behavior. Based on this, they will advise if further tests or in-person visits are needed.

When to Seek Emergency Care

If your child has sudden, severe headaches unlike previous ones, weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion, fever with stiff neck, or loss of consciousness, seek emergency care immediately. These signs may indicate a more serious condition needing urgent attention.

Managing Cluster Headaches at Home

While waiting for diagnosis or treatment, keep a headache diary to track episodes. Encourage rest in a dark, quiet room during attacks. Avoid known headache triggers if identified. Follow any advice given by your healthcare provider carefully.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet for the video visit.
• Prepare a list of your child's headache symptoms, including timing, duration, and pain description.
• Note any other symptoms like eye redness, tearing, or nasal congestion.
• Have a list of questions or concerns ready to discuss.
• Ensure your child is comfortable and able to participate in the visit.
• Have a pen and paper or device ready to take notes during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any care instructions or medication advice given by the provider.
• Keep a headache diary to track frequency, duration, and triggers.
• Schedule follow-up visits as recommended.
• Seek emergency care if red flag symptoms develop.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes cluster headaches in children?

The exact cause of cluster headaches is not fully understood. They may involve changes in the brain's blood vessels and nerves. In children, cluster headaches are rare, and sometimes triggers like stress or certain medications may play a role.

Can cluster headaches be treated during a video visit?

During a video visit, a healthcare provider can discuss symptoms, suggest lifestyle changes, and recommend when to seek further care. However, some treatments may require in-person visits or prescriptions that need evaluation beyond telemedicine.

How can I help my child during a cluster headache attack?

Encourage your child to rest in a quiet, dark room. Applying a cold compress to the painful area may help. Avoid bright lights and loud noises. Keep track of the headache details to share with your healthcare provider.

Are cluster headaches dangerous?

Cluster headaches themselves are not life-threatening but cause severe pain. However, similar symptoms can sometimes signal serious conditions. It is important to watch for red flags like weakness, confusion, or sudden severe headaches and seek emergency care if they occur.

When should I call emergency services for my child’s headache?

Call emergency services if your child experiences sudden, very severe headaches unlike before, weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty speaking, confusion, fever with stiff neck, or loss of consciousness.

Sources

1. Cluster Headache — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Headache in Children and Adolescents — American Academy of Pediatrics.
3. Headaches: Types, Causes, and Treatments — Mayo Clinic.
4. Cluster Headaches Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child experiences severe symptoms or emergency warning signs, seek immediate medical attention.