10 Causes of Cluster Headaches

By somerset

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Cluster Headaches.' Cedars Sinai, Cedars Sinai, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/cluster-headaches.html.
• 2. 'Cluster Headache. The Migraine Trust, The Migraine Trust, 19 Feb. 2021, www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/types-of-migraine/other-headache-disorders/cluster-headache/.
• 3. Brandon May. 'Tobacco, Alcohol Use May Predict Cluster Headache Severity.' Neurology Advisor, Haymarket Media, Inc., 18 Dec. 2018, www.neurologyadvisor.com/topics/migraine-and-headache/tobacco-alcohol-use-may-predict-cluster-headache-severity/.
• 4. Noseda, Rodrigo, et al. 'Migraine Photophobia Originating in Cone-Driven Retinal Pathways.' Brain, vol. 139, no. 7, 2016, pp. 1971–1986., doi:10.1093/brain/aww119.
• 5. Mahoney, Charles, and richardcarr0 5: 'Exercise and Cluster Headache - Stretching.' The Cluster Headache Support Group, 1 June 2019, chsg.org/guide-category/coping/exercise-cluster-headache-stretching/.
• 6. 'Cluster Headaches (CHs)' Ada. Ada, Ada Health GmbH, 20 Dec. 2019, ada.com/conditions/cluster-headaches/.
• 7. Ekbom, K, et al. 'Periods of Cluster Headache Induced by Nitrate Therapy and Spontaneous Remission of Angina Pectoris During Active Clusters.' Cephalalgia, vol. 24, no. 2, 2004, pp. 92–98., doi:10.1111/j.1468-2982.2004.00634.x.
• 8. Fanciullacci, M. 'When Cluster Headache Was Called Histaminic Cephalalgia (Horton's Headache).' The Journal of Headache and Pain, vol. 7, no. 4, 2006, pp. 231–234., doi:10.1007/s10194-006-0296-0.
• 9. Qiu, Enchao, et al. 'Abnormal Brain Functional Connectivity of the Hypothalamus in Cluster Headaches.' PLoS ONE, vol. 8, no. 2, 2013, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057896.
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Cluster headaches (CH) are extremely painful but not very common and rarely cause serious problems. They occur in multiple stages and usually repeat patterns experienced in earlier attacks. The pain is typically felt on one side of the head and in the neck. Attacks can last for several hours and may occur multiple times a day.

No one knows what causes cluster headaches specifically, but medical professionals have identified factors that can trigger them based on the experiences of individuals who have them. In this piece, we’ll go over potential causes for cluster headaches and possible ways to prevent them.¹‘Cluster Headaches.’ Cedars Sinai, Cedars Sinai, www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/cluster-headaches.html.

1. Alcohol Use

Yep, just another medical malady that can be worsened by consuming alcohol. The imbibing of alcohol and other fermented foods and beverages has been linked to the development of cluster headache episodes, with sufferers reporting the set-in of symptoms occurring sometimes only an hour after consuming alcohol.²‘Cluster Headache. The Migraine Trust, The Migraine Trust, 19 Feb. 2021, www.migrainetrust.org/about-migraine/types-of-migraine/other-headache-disorders/cluster-headache/.

However, there is a silver lining for alcohol users. According to a study published in Cephalalgia that administered questionnaires to Swedish cluster headache sufferers, respondents who consumed less alcohol reported more intense attacks, while the severity of attacks for regular drinkers was lower.³Brandon May. ‘Tobacco, Alcohol Use May Predict Cluster Headache Severity.’ Neurology Advisor, Haymarket Media, Inc., 18 Dec. 2018, www.neurologyadvisor.com/topics/migraine-and-headache/tobacco-alcohol-use-may-predict-cluster-headache-severity/.