What is the clinical presentation of cluster headache?

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Multiple Choice

What is the clinical presentation of cluster headache?

Cluster headache presents as unilateral, excruciating pain around the eye or temple, with accompanying ipsilateral autonomic symptoms such as tearing (lacrimation), nasal congestion or rhinorrhea, and often eye redness or eyelid swelling. The patient is typically restless or agitated during attacks, not still. Attacks are relatively short, lasting 15 to 180 minutes, and occur in stereotyped clusters over weeks to months with symptom-free periods in between. Because of the intensity and circadian pattern, these headaches are not described as a constant, all-day pain, and NSAIDs usually do not relieve the acute attack. The described presentation with unilateral, severe orbital/supraorbital/temporal pain plus lacrimation, nasal symptoms, and restlessness best fits cluster headache.

Cluster headache presents as unilateral, excruciating pain around the eye or temple, with accompanying ipsilateral autonomic symptoms such as tearing (lacrimation), nasal congestion or rhinorrhea, and often eye redness or eyelid swelling. The patient is typically restless or agitated during attacks, not still. Attacks are relatively short, lasting 15 to 180 minutes, and occur in stereotyped clusters over weeks to months with symptom-free periods in between. Because of the intensity and circadian pattern, these headaches are not described as a constant, all-day pain, and NSAIDs usually do not relieve the acute attack. The described presentation with unilateral, severe orbital/supraorbital/temporal pain plus lacrimation, nasal symptoms, and restlessness best fits cluster headache.

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