Cluster Headache

Summary

Cluster headaches are a type of headache causing severe unilateral periorbital pain, usually affecting men more commonly than women. Those with cluster headaches will typically experience pain in ‘clusters’ of brief, repetitive attacks. The headache is usually associated with rhinorrhea and lacrimation on the same side of the face as the pain. Patients with cluster headaches are given 100% oxygen or sumatriptan taken to stop the pain, and may also be treated chronically with verapamil as a preventative measure. 

Key Points

• Cluster Headaches
  • Location
    • Unilateral
  • Presentation
    • Affects males > females
    • Excruciating periorbital pain (“suicide headache”)
      • Non-pulsatile pain; contrast vs. migraine
    • Associated with ipsilateral lacrimation and rhinorrhea
  • Duration
    • Brief, repetitive episodes
      • 15 minutes- 2 hours
  • Treatment
    • 100% Oxygen
    • Sumatriptan
  • Prophylaxis
    • Verapamil