In the context of treating cluster headaches, what is the role of oxygen therapy?

Oxygen therapy plays a significant role in providing immediate pain relief for individuals suffering from cluster headaches. During a cluster headache attack, patients experience intense, unilateral head pain that can be debilitating. The inhalation of pure oxygen, typically at a flow rate of 7 to 15 liters per minute for about 15 to 20 minutes, can lead to rapid alleviation of the pain for many individuals. This action is believed to be linked to oxygen's ability to induce vasoconstriction of the dilated intracranial blood vessels, counteracting the headache process.

In contrast, decreasing inflammation in the nasal passages, stimulating blood flow to the brain, or preventing headache relapse does not accurately represent the immediate therapeutic effects of oxygen therapy in the context of cluster headaches. Oxygen primarily targets acute pain relief rather than these other mechanisms, which are more relevant to other types of headaches or general migraine management strategies.