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Semin Neurol 1997; 17(4): 313-323
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1040944
© 1997 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Cluster Headache

Ninan T. Mathew
  • Houston Headache Clinic, 1213 Hermann Drive #350, Houston, TX 77004
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Publication History

Publication Date:
19 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Cluster headache is characterized by regular periodicity, high frequency during a cluster period, relative brevity, and extreme intensity. Lancinations, as in trigeminal neuralgia, are rare. An important behavioral difference between migraine and cluster headache is that the patient is usually hyperactive during a cluster headache, whereas the migraineur retreats to a dark, quiet room. Cluster headache is more common in middle-aged men; migraine is more common in young women. Intermediate or overlap syndromes occur. Many of the same prophylactic and abortive treatments are effective in both, although in cluster headache there is a premium on rapid action.

Keywords

Cluster headache - paroxysmal hemicrania - periodicity - autonomic features - oxygen - sumatriptan - corticosteroids - verapamil - ergotamine - lithium - methy-sergide - radiofrequency trigeminal rhizotomy - cluster headache variants

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