Cluster headache

Question 1

What is a cluster headache?

Answer 1

Cluster headache is considered one of the most painful conditions known to humanity.

Question 2

What are the risk factors for a cluster headache?

Answer 2

> Male
> FHx
> Head injury
> cigarette smoking
> heavy drinking

Question 3

What are the signs and symptoms for a cluster headache?

Answer 3

> Repeated attacks of unilateral pain
> Excruciating pain
> lacrimation, rhinorrhoea, parital Horner's syndrome
> agitation
> Nauseas and vomiting
> Photophobia and phonophobia
> Migrainous aura

Question 4

What is the epidemiology of a cluster headache?

Answer 4

This is one of the few primary headaches that affect men predominantly (male-to-female ratio varies between 2.5:1 and 3.5:1).

Studies suggest the prevalence of cluster headache is likely to be at least one person per 500

Question 5

What investigations would you use for a cluster headache?

Answer 5

> Brain CT or MRI (normal)
ESR (normal)
Pituitray function test (normal)