Medical presentation

Show this page to a medical receptionist/triage nurse for ease of communicating while under an attack.

I have a diagnosed condition of Cluster Headaches. 
My current pain level is 10/10 - too much to talk or think.

Please provide oxygen now:
  • 100% oxygen at 15 L/Min
  • non-rebreather mask. 



Cluster Headache – Emergency Info for Medical Staff

Condition: Diagnosed Cluster Headache
Pain Level: 10/10  Category: 2 – treat within 10 min

Oxygen for cluster headache = Ventolin for asthma.
Every minute matters.

Please treat immediately – oxygen first, questions later.



What It Is

Neurological pain disorder causing sudden, severe one-sided head pain (10/10) with tearing and agitation.
Not stroke, migraine, or tension headache. 

What To Do Immediately

  1. Give Oxygen – FIRST
    • 100% O2 via non-rebreather mask, 12–15 L/min for 15–20 min
    • Safe, non-drug, no contraindications
    • Start oxygen immediately, continue questions while giving it
  2. If oxygen unavailable:
    • Sumatriptan 6 mg SC

Delay = unnecessary suffering. Oxygen will stop the pain.

Don’t Waste Time With

  • Panadol, Nurofen, opioids, Morphine,  codeine, oxycodone. tramadol, endone, fentanyl. hydromorphone. ketorolac, NSAIDs. The Cluster headache is totally unaffected by strong pain killers
  • Heat packs (worsen pain)
  • Routine triage or imaging before oxygen

Support

  • Cool room
  • Allow pacing/rocking – normal coping behaviour
  • Cold pack on head/neck may help

Remember

Oxygen for cluster headache = Ventolin for asthma.
Every minute matters.

Please treat immediately – oxygen first, questions later.