ASSUMING for a moment that it's Cluster: it's too soon to make a call because symptoms at first onset can be so variable, unclear.

The cluster quiz (left edge of this page) is a crude tool but worth using.

Because there are a number of disorders which mimic Cluster, would be worth looking for a headache specialist to work on the diagnosis. Most docs, including neurologists, lack useful training/skill with complex headache disorders--unless you can confirm, by direct questioning, their experience with headache.
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LOCATING HEADACHE SPECIALIST

1. Yellow Pages phone book: look for "Headache Clinics" in the M.D. section and look under "neurologist" where some docs will list speciality areas of practice.

2.  Call your hospital/medical center. They often have an office to assist in finding a physician. You may have to ask for the social worker/patient advocate.

3. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or ; On-line screen to find a physician.

4. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or Look for "Physician Finder" search box. They will send a list of M.D.s for your state.I suggest using this source for several reasons: first, we have read several messages from people who, even seeing neurologists, are unhappy with the quality of care and ATTITUDES they have encountered; second, the clinical director of the Jefferson (Philadelphia) Headache Clinic said, in late 1999, that upwards of 40%+ of U.S. doctors have poor training in treating headache and/or hold attitudes about headache ("hysterical female disorder") which block them from sympathetic and effective work with the patient; third, it's necessary to find a doctor who has experience, skill, and a set of attitudes which give hope of success. This is the best method I know of to find such a physician.

5. Multimedia File Viewing and Clickable Links are available for Registered Members only!!  You need to or NEW certification program for "Headache Medicine" by the United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties, an independent, non-profit, professional medical organization.
        Since this is a new program, the initial listing is limited and so it should be checked each time you have an interest in locating a headache doctor.
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Hi and welcome

It might be CH but equally it might be some other headache type or something else. What complicates things is that there are lots of things that can result in the symptoms seen with CH.

As Joe mentioned, sudden onset head pain where there was no previous history is an immediate case to get it checked out by a medical professional. For headaches you should try to work with a headache specialist as it is a complex area and you need to get the right diagnosis in order to get the right treatment.

The headache journal will help a lot with the diagnosis and it will also help if you educate yourself about headaches, causes, triggers and similar.

Keep reading and ask any question you can think of.

A. Go see a doctor ASAP.
B. Chances of this being a CH are very small, for several reasons.