Sodium bicarbonate acts as a systemic alkalinizing agent that may help reduce the severity and frequency of cluster headaches by altering blood pH and potentially modulating neurogenic inflammation. Its mechanism involves increasing blood bicarbonate levels, which can potentially influence cerebral vasculature and neuronal excitability, though the precise pathophysiological details are not fully elucidated. When administered, it may provide symptomatic relief by potentially reducing neurogenic inflammatory responses associated with cluster headache pathogenesis.