Oxygen Therapy for Cluster Headaches
What Are Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are a severe type of headache that can occur several times a day over a period of weeks or months.
Many people experience attacks in “clusters”, followed by periods where symptoms disappear completely before returning.
Unlike most home oxygen therapy, oxygen for cluster headaches is prescribed even when your blood oxygen levels are normal.
High-flow oxygen can provide fast relief during an attack for many people.
How Can Oxygen Therapy Help?
Oxygen therapy is an effective treatment for many people experiencing an acute cluster headache.
Using oxygen at the start of an attack may help:
- Relieve pain quickly
- Reduce the severity of an attack
- Provide a safe, drug-free treatment option
Your oxygen has been prescribed specifically for you and should only be used as directed by your healthcare professional.
Using Your Oxygen
When using oxygen to treat a cluster headache:
- Begin oxygen therapy as soon as an attack starts.
- Use the oxygen at the prescribed flow rate of 12–15 litres per minute (L/min).
- If your headache improves, continue using oxygen for 5–10 minutes after the pain has gone. This may help reduce the chance of the headache returning.
- If there is little or no improvement after 15 minutes, stop using the oxygen and follow the alternative treatment plan recommended by your healthcare professional.
If oxygen does not help during one attack, you should still try it again during your next attack.
Your Oxygen Equipment
Depending on your needs, you may receive:
- A home oxygen concentrator for use indoors
- Portable oxygen cylinders for use away from home
- A demand valve mask, allowing you to control oxygen delivery
- A face mask with a reservoir bag where appropriate
Your healthcare professional or oxygen supplier will show you how to use your equipment safely.
Using Oxygen Safely
To help keep you safe:
Always
- Use oxygen exactly as prescribed.
- Keep oxygen cylinders upright.
- Store oxygen safely.
- Ensure cylinders are secured when travelling.
- Test your smoke alarms regularly.
- Let us know if your equipment no longer meets your needs.
Never
- Change your oxygen flow rate yourself.
- Smoke or vape while using oxygen.
- Allow anyone to smoke near oxygen equipment.
- Use oxygen near naked flames.
- Leave oxygen running when it is not being used.
- Use oxygen while cooking with gas.
- Use flammable products near oxygen equipment.
Top Tips
To help make the most of your oxygen therapy:
- Order oxygen refills before you run out.
- Contact us if your oxygen needs change.
- Let us know if oxygen is no longer helping your symptoms.
- Contact us if you would like to stop oxygen therapy.
Ongoing Support and Reviews
Your oxygen therapy will be prescribed by a specialist oxygen clinician.
We’ll complete a home safety assessment before oxygen is supplied and will usually review your oxygen therapy every three years.
If your needs change before your next review, please contact the Community Respiratory Specialist Team.
Equipment and Refills
For oxygen equipment, replacement masks, refills or equipment faults, please contact:
Air Liquide Healthcare
Telephone: 0808 143 9999
Further Information
If you have any questions about your oxygen therapy for cluster headaches, please contact the Community Respiratory Specialist Team.
Telephone: 0300 124 5909
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
