Cluster Headache

CHAPTER 11 CLUSTER HEADACHE





1. What is a cluster headache?


Like migraine, cluster is a primary headache disorder but with significantly different clinical features. Cluster headaches are characterized by attacks of excruciatingly severe, unilateral head pain. Attacks last 15 to 180 minutes and recur from once every other day up to eight times daily. These painful episodes are associated with autonomic features, including ptosis, miosis, conjunctival injection, lacrimation, and rhinorrhea, on the side of the pain.


In episodic cluster, attacks occur in “clusters” lasting weeks to months, separated by periods of pain-free “remission” lasting months to years. Times of frequent headache are called cluster periods.


The Second Edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD II) defines five clinical criteria for cluster headache (Box 11-1).







Jun 14, 2016 | Posted by in PAIN MEDICINE | Comments Off on Cluster Headache

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