====== Cluster headache ====== Cluster headache (CH) is included under section 3 - Trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TAC) of the International Headache Society (IHS) classification. It is one of the most frequent, painful, and disabling primary headaches. AKA [[histaminic migraine]]. Actually a neurovascular event, distinct from true [[migraine]]. Cluster headache belongs to a group of primary headache disorders, classified as the trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias or (TACs). Cluster headache is named after the demonstrated grouping of headache attacks occurring together (cluster). [[Cluster headache]]s may also be known as [[histamine headache]], [[red migraine]], [[Horton’s headache]], and cephalalgia or [[sphenopalatine neuralgia]]. ===== Epidemiology ===== Male: female ratio is ≈ 5:1. 25% of patients have a personal or family history of migraine. ((Kittrelle JP, Grouse DS, Seybold ME. Cluster Headache: Local Anesthetic Abortive Agents. Arch Neurol. 1985; 42:496–498)). Cluster headache (CH) is a primary headache disorder classified under Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalalgias (TACs) in the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), currently in its third edition (ICHD-3). Below is the classification and key features of cluster headache: ===== ICHD-3 Classification of Cluster Headache ===== 1. Episodic Cluster Headache Definition: Attacks occur in clusters lasting from 7 days to 1 year. Followed by a remission period of at least 3 months. 2. [[Chronic Cluster Headache]] Definition: Attacks occur for more than 1 year without remission or with remission periods shorter than 3 months.