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Cluster Headache

Cluster headaches are unique in several ways. They occur in an episode—or cluster—that may occur daily over a period of weeks, sometimes even months. They may then disappear, only to recur seasonally the following year. In contrast with migraine, which is more common in women, cluster headaches occur mainly in men between the ages of 20 and 40. A person experiencing cluster headaches may have up to eight attacks per day, each lasting about 15 to 45 minutes or longer. Attacks often come in the early morning hours, and will waken the patient from sleep.

The pain of cluster headaches usually is centered around one eye, and is almost always on one side of the head. There can be nasal stuffiness and tearing with the headache. The pain is excruciating for most people, often described as a knife or nail being driven into the head. Unlike migraine headache, lying down often makes cluster headaches worse. Some people pace the floor and move about, unable to find any relief.

Headache, Cluster Headache reprinted with permission from neurologychannel.com
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