Abstract
This article discusses cluster headache and a variety of cluster mimics, with the intention of aiding the practitioner in differentiating between primary cluster headache and secondary forms of cluster. Secondary causes of cluster headache include infections, tumors, vascular abnormalities, and head trauma. In addition, other trigeminal autonomic cephalgias occasionally can be difficult to distinguish from primary cluster headache.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References and Recommended Reading
Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society: Classification and diagnostic criteria for headache disorders, cranial neuralgia, and facial pain. Cephalalgia 1988, 8:1–96.
Russel D, Storstein L: Cluster headache: a computerized analysis of 24 Holter ECG recordings and description of ECG rhythm disturbances. Cephalalgia 1983, 3:83–107.
Nappi G, Micreli G, Cavallini A, et al.: Accompanying symptoms of cluster attacks: their relevance to the diagnostic criteria. Cephalalgia 1992, 3:165–168.
Kudrow L: Cluster headache. In Headache: Clinical, Therapeutic, Conceptual, and Research Aspects. Edited by Blau JN. London: Chapman and Hall; 1987:113.
Kudrow L, Kudrow DB: Association of sustained oxyhemoglobin desaturation and onset of cluster headache attacks. Headache 1990, 30:471–480.
Dodick DW, Rogers TD, Goadsby PJ, et al.: Cluster headache. Cephalalgia 2000, 20:787–803.
Graham JR: Cluster headache. Presented at the International Symposium on Headache. Chicago: 1969.
Kudrow L: Cluster headache: diagnosis and management. Headache 1979, 19:142–150.
Manzoni GC: Male preponderance of cluster headache is progressively decreasing over the years. Headache 1997, 37:588–589.
Kudrow L: Cluster Headache: Mechanisms and Management. New York: Oxford University Press; 1980.
Russell MB: Genetic epidemiology of migraine and cluster headache. Cephalalgia 1997, 17:683–701.
Kudrow L, Kudrow DB: Inheritance of cluster headache and its possible link to migraine. Headache 1994, 34:400–407.
Russell MB: Increased familial risk and evidence of genetic factors in migraine. BMJ 1995, 311:541–544.
Eadie MJ, Sutherland JM: Migrainous neuralgia. Med J Aust 1966, 1:1053–1057.
Couturier EG, Hering R, Steiner TJ: The first report of cluster headache in identical twins. Neurology 1991, 41:761.
Roberge C, Bouchard JP, Simard D, et al.: Cluster headache in twins. Neurology 1992, 42:1255–1256.
Sjaastad O, Shen JM, Stovner LJ, et al.: Cluster headache in identical twins. Headache 1993, 33:214–217.
Ekbom K, Greitz T: Carotid angiography in cluster headache. Acta Radiol 1970, 10:177–186.
Waldenlind E, Ekbom K, Thorhall J: MR-angiography during spontaneous attacks of cluster headache: a case report. Headache 1993, 33:291–295.
Moskowitz M: Basic mechanisms in vascular headache. Neurol Clin 1990, 8:801–815.
Moskowitz MA: Cluster headache: evidence for a pathophysiologic focus in the superior pericarotid cavernous plexus. Headache 1988, 28:584–586.
Hardebo JE, Dahlof C: Sumatriptan nasal spray (20 mg/dose) in the acute treatment of cluster headache. Cephalalgia 1998, 18:487–489.
Sjaastad O, Rinck P: Cluster headache: MRI studies of the cavernous sinus and the base of the brain. Headache 1990, 30:350–351.
Sianard-Gainko J, Milet J, Ghuysen V, et al.: Increased parasellar activity on gallium SPECT is not specific for active cluster headache. Cephalalgia 1994, 14:132–133.
Hannerz J, Ericson K, Bergstrand G: A new etiology for visual impairment and chronic headache: the Tolosa Hunt Syndrome may be only one manifestation of venous vasculitis. Cephalalgia 1986, 6:59–63.
Antonaci F: Chronic paroxysmal hemicrania and hemicrania continua: orbital phlebography and MRI studies. Headache 1994, 34:32–34.
Hannerz J, Greitz D, Hansson P, et al.: SUNCT may be another manifestation of orbital venous vasculitis. Headache 1992, 32:384–389.
Kudrow L: Plasma testosterone levels in cluster headache preliminary results. Headache 1976, 16:28–31.
Leone M, Bussone G: A review of hormonal findings in cluster headache: evidence for hypothalamic involvement. Cephalalgia 1993, 13:309–317. This is a great reference for information on the circadian rhythms of hormones controlled by the hypothalamus in cluster headache.
Leone M, Lucini V, D’Amico, et al.: Twenty-four hour melatonin and cortisol plasma levels in relation to timing cluster headache. Cephalalgia 1995, 15:224–229.
Leone M, Lucini V, D’Amico D, et al.: Abnormal 24-hour urinary excretory pattern of 6-sulphatoxymelatonin in both phases of cluster headache. Cephalalgia 1998, 18:664–667.
May A, Bahra A, Buchel, C, et al.: Hypothalamic activation in cluster headache attacks. Lancet 1998, 352:275–278.
Weiller C, May A, Limroth V, et al.: Brain stem activation in spontaneous human migraine attacks. Nat Med 1995, 1:658–660.
May A, Kaube H, Buechel C, et al.: Experimental pain elicited by capsaicin: a PET study. Pain 1998, 74:61–66.
May A, Ashburner J, Buchel C, et al.: Correlation between structural and functional changes in brain in an idiopathic headache syndrome. Nat Med 1999, 5:836–838.
Leone M, Franzini A, Bussone G: Stereotactic stimulation of posterior hypothalamic grey matter in a patient with intractable cluster headache. N Engl J Med 2001, 345:1428–1429.
Franzini A, Fenoli P, Leone M, et al.: Stimulation of the posterior hypothalamus for treatment of chronic intractable cluster headaches: first reported series. Neurosurgery Online 2003, 52:1095–1101. Interesting surgical approach to inhibiting cluster headache and links evidence to the hypothalamic generator theory of cluster headache.
Moore RY: The fourth C.U. Ariens Kappers lecture: the organization of the human circadian timing systems. Brain Res 1992, 93:99–115.
Groos G, Mason R, Meijer J: Electrical and pharmacological properties of the suprachiasmatic nuclei. Fed Proc 1984, 42:2790–2795.
Lambert GA, Bogduk N, Goadsby PJ, et al.: Decreased carotid resistance in cats in response to trigeminal stimulation. J Neurosurg 1984, 61:307–315.
Goadsby PJ, Duckworth JW: Low frequency stimulation of the locus coeruleus reduces regional cerebral blood flow in the spinalized cat. Brain Res 1989, 326:213–217.
Goadsby PJ, Edvinsson L: Human in vivo evidence for trigeminovascular activation in cluster headache: neuropeptide changes and effects of acute attacks therapies. Brain 1994, 117:427–434.
Goadsby PJ, Edvinsson L, Ekman R: Vasoactive peptide release in the extracerebral circulation of humans during migraine headache. Ann Neurol 1990, 28:183–187.
Goadsby PJ, Edvinsson L: The trigeminovascular system and migraine: studies characterizing cerebrovascular and neuropeptide changes seen in humans and cats. Ann Neurol 1993b, 33:48–56.
Lee M, Lessell S: Orbital myositis posing as cluster headache. Arch Neurol 2002, 59:635–636.
Leandri M, Cruccu G, Gottlieb A: Cluster headache-like pain in multiple sclerosis. Cephalalgia 1999, 19:732–734.
Heidegger S, Mattfeldt T, Rieber A, et al.: Orbito-sphenoidal aspergillus infection mimicking cluster headache: a case report. Cephalalgia 1997, 17:676–679.
Rosebraugh C, Griebel D, DiPette D: A case report of carotid artery dissection presenting as cluster headache. Am J Med April 1997, 102:418–419.
Leira E, Cruz-Flores S, Leacock R: Sumatriptan can alleviate headaches due to carotid artery dissection. Headache 2001, 41:590–591.
Silberstein S, Niknam R, Rozen T, et al.: Cluster headache with aura. Neurology 2000, 54:219–221.
Cremer P, Heilmagyi M, Goadsby P: Secondary cluster headache responsive to sumatriptan. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1995, 59:633–634.
Porta-Etessam J, Ramos-Carrasco A, Berbel-Garcia A, et al.: Clusterlike headache as first manifestation of a prolactinoma. Headache 2001, 41:723–726.
Tajti J, Sask, Szok D, et al.: Clusterlike headache as a first sign of brain metastases of lung cancer. Headache 1996, 36:259–260.
Turkewitz J, Wirth O, Dawson G, et al.: Cluster headache following head injury: a case report and review of the literature. Headache 1992, 32:504–506.
Evers S, Soros P, Brilla R, et al.: Cluster headache after orbital exenteration. Cephalalgia 1997, 17:680–682.
Matharu M, Goadsby P: Trigeminal autonomic cephalgias. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2002, 72:1119–1127.
Newman L, Goadsby P, Lipton R: Cluster and related headaches. Med Clin North Am 2001, 85:997–1016.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Carter, D.M. Cluster headache mimics. Current Science Inc 8, 133–139 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-004-0027-7
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11916-004-0027-7