Managing Cluster Headaches with Medical Cannabis
Cluster Headaches, also often referred to as cluster migraines, is a type of headache condition that gets its name from the pattern of attacks - they often occur in ‘clusters’ that can last for weeks, or even months. They are more common in men than women and, though they can develop at any age, they often start when a person is in their 30s/40s.
What are the symptoms?
Pain around the eye, temple, and sometimes face. They usually begin quickly and without warning and typically last anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours. Patients may suffer between 1 and 8 attacks in a day.
Other, less common, symptoms can include:
- A red and watering eye
- Drooping and swelling of one eyelid
- A smaller pupil in one eye
- A sweaty face
- A blocked or runny nostril
Cause and treatment
Cluster headaches have been linked to activity in part of the brain called the hypothalamus, though the exact cause is not known. There may also be a link to genetics, as some people who develop Cluster Headaches have other family members who also get them.
There is evidence to suggest that cluster headaches are more common in people who smoke. Alcohol consumption and strong smells, such as perfume, petrol, or paint, may also be triggers.
Cluster Headaches can be extremely painful and can often have a significant impact on quality of life. Unlike with other headache conditions, over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen are usually not considered as they are too slow to take effect.
Instead, one or more specialist treatments are often recommended. These include:
- Sumatriptan injections – which you can give yourself up to twice a day
- Sumatriptan or zolmitriptan nasal spray – which can be used if you do not want to have injections
- Oxygen therapy – where you breathe pure oxygen through a face mask
These options may help to relieve pain in Cluster Headaches within 15-30 minutes, however, they are not always effective.
Medical Cannabis and Cluster Headaches
There is growing evidence to support the potential of cannabis-based medicines for the treatment of a number of pain-related conditions. Furthermore, a recent study carried out in the Netherlands demonstrated that cannabinoids can be effective at alleviating acute cluster headaches in patients who also experienced Migraines in childhood.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help relieve the pain of cluster headaches?
Yes, medical cannabis may help reduce the intensity and frequency of cluster headaches for some patients. At Cantourage Clinic, we assess your condition thoroughly and explore cannabis-based treatments tailored to your neurological profile. Our doctors have experience supporting patients who haven't found relief through conventional treatments.
Is medical cannabis legal for treating cluster headaches in the UK?
Yes, medical cannabis is legal in the UK when prescribed by a specialist doctor. Cantourage Clinic operates within UK regulations and provides legal, prescription-based access to medical cannabis for patients with chronic conditions, including cluster headaches, when other treatments have failed.
What strains or formulations are typically used for cluster headaches?
Treatment is highly individualised. At Cantourage Clinic, our clinicians may recommend cannabis strains with higher CBD levels to reduce inflammation and THC for pain modulation, depending on your symptoms and medical history. Inhaled formats offer fast relief, while oils or capsules may provide longer-lasting support.
How do I start treatment with medical cannabis for cluster headaches at Cantourage Clinic?
Getting started is simple. Book an initial consultation with one of our specialists, who will assess your condition, review past treatments, and determine if medical cannabis is a suitable option. If eligible, we’ll guide you through every step—from prescription to choosing the right product and dosage.