Horton’s neuralgia and oxygen therapy

Horton’s neuralgia, also known as Horton’s syndrome or herniated headache, is a very painful form of headache. Horton’s neuralgia occurs in short-term series. The pain is extremely intense, tearing and piercing.

More than 15 000 people in Finland suffer from the disease. The disease is characterised by short-lasting pain attacks on one side of the head, typically around the eye.

In addition to pain, the most common symptoms include tearing from the eye, nasal congestion/bleeding, drooping eyelids and eyelid drooping. The symptoms occur on the same side of the face as the pain. Triggers for pain can include changes in sleep patterns, alcohol and solvents, and intense physical exertion.

Medical oxygen is used to treat seizures and medical oxygen is used to treat attacks of serial headaches. Oxygen should be available as soon as the seizure starts. Oxygen therapy and dosage is determined by the doctor, but usually 7-15 L/min for about 15 minutes. In most cases, the seizure will be relieved within 5 to 7 minutes of oxygen breathing when the flow, mask and breathing technique are correct.

There is no therapeutic daily dose limit for acid, but if the treatment is not effective within 15-20 minutes it should be stopped. Oxygen therapy requires a prescription written by a doctor. Medicinal oxygen and equipment rental are reimbursable under the Health Insurance Act and contribute to the annual medicine deductible.