Resources
Useful links
The best cluster headache resources from New Zealand and around the world. Curated to include the most reliable and useful sources for patients, families and health professionals.
New Zealand
The authoritative source for currently funded medicines in New Zealand. Search for sumatriptan and verapamil to confirm current funding status.
New Zealand's charity for people living with migraine. Many of the access issues are shared, and their information on diagnosis, treatment and advocating for yourself with a GP is excellent. If your headaches turn out to be migraine rather than cluster headache, start here.
General health information and health system guidance for New Zealanders.
New Zealand consumer health information. Has some general headache information and is a useful general health resource for New Zealanders.
A regional Facebook peer-support group for people affected by cluster headache in Australia and New Zealand. Not medically moderated.
New Zealand patient information about oral steroids such as prednisone, including precautions and side effects.
New Zealand medicine safety information for prednisone tablets.
International patient organisations
The Clusterbusters community forums - patient discussion, peer support and shared experience on treatments and coping. Not medically moderated.
A patient advocacy and research organisation. Known for pioneering research into psilocybin and other non-conventional treatments. Excellent research summaries and patient support resources.
A detailed patient-led resource on psychedelic and alternative approaches for cluster headache. Some substances discussed are illegal in New Zealand, so use this as education, not as legal or medical advice.
A patient-community resource about the anti-inflammatory Vitamin D3 regimen. Disclosure: this site is hosted by Craig Stewart. Cluster Headache Aotearoa NZ links to it for patient education and does not present it as a substitute for medical care.
Clinical guidelines and research
The International Headache Society's official diagnostic criteria for cluster headache. The standard against which all diagnoses are made.
The National Library of Medicine's research database. Search for cluster headache to find peer-reviewed research on treatments, epidemiology and mechanisms.
Peer-reviewed review article covering acute, preventive and bridging treatments, including corticosteroids.
Small open-label clinical trial reporting reduced attack frequency during a modified Atkins ketogenic diet.
The journal of the American Academy of Neurology. Publishes significant cluster headache research.
Online communities
A large, active Reddit community for cluster headache patients. A good place to hear from others with the condition and ask questions. Note: not medically moderated - use with appropriate caution.
A large international Facebook group. Active community with a wide range of experiences and perspectives. Note: not medically moderated.
If you know of a resource that should be here, please get in touch. We review all suggestions and only add links that meet our standards for accuracy and relevance to New Zealand patients.