Key Features that Distinguish Cluster from Migraine Headaches

Page by: E.J. Mayeaux, Jr., M.D.
Louisiana State University Medical Center Shreveport, Louisiana


Feature                        Cluster headache      Migraine headache
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Patient gender                 Usually male          Usually female

Age at onset                   27 to 30              17 to 20
Frequency of attacks           1 to 8/d              1 to 4/mo

Duration of attacks            15 min to 3 h         4 to 72 In

Intensity of pain              Excruciating          Moderate to severe

Location of pain               Strictly unilateral   Unilateral or bilateral

Incidence of associated        Rare                  Common
nausea and vomiting

Incidence of attacks           Common                Rare
awakening patient from sleep   

Characteristic behavior        Patient cannot        Patient prefers
during severe attack           remain still          hibernation
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