Hello, I'm a student at Purdue University and help with

Posted on Wed, 16 Jan 2019

Question: Hello, I'm a student at Purdue University and help with a known autonomic nerve issue that causes these symptoms:
● Severe unilateral pain in the head
● Pain behind the orbit of the eye
● Red eye
● Runny nose
● Eyelid swelling
● Feels like a hot poker has stabbed her in the eye

Answered by Dr. Erion Spaho (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Cluster headaches.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor " service.

I have read your query and here is my explanation.

Those symptoms resemble a condition known as cluster headaches.

The cause is not well understood but is thought that abnormalities in the hypothalamus function may be the main mechanism.

Alcohol should be avoided during the cluster periods that may last several weeks.

Treatment consists mainly in oxygen inhalations during exacerbations, triptans use, octreotide, etc.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad