Cluster headache

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Definition Symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice

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Definition

A cluster headache is one of the most painful types of headache. It's also distinctive in ways other than the severity of the pain. A striking feature of cluster headache is that the attacks occur in cyclical patterns, or clusters — which gives the condition its name.

Bouts of frequent attacks, in what's known as cluster periods, may last from weeks to months, followed by remission periods when the headache attacks stop completely. The pattern varies from one person to another, but most people have one cluster period a year. During remission, no headaches occur for months, and sometimes even years.

Fortunately, cluster headache is rare. The condition is more common in men. Cluster headache can affect people at any age but is most common between ages 20 and 40.

Although cluster headache attacks are extremely painful, they're not life-threatening. Treatments can help make the attacks shorter and less severe. In addition, preventive medications can help reduce the number of headaches.

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