Clinical Characteristics of Cluster Headache vs. Paroxysmal Headache

In its clinical presentation, paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) is a variant of cluster headache (CH). The distinguishing features of PH are a shorter duration and higher . . .

In its clinical presentation, paroxysmal hemicrania (PH) is a variant of cluster headache (CH). The distinguishing features of PH are a shorter duration and higher frequency of headaches. Unlike CH, PH has an absolute response to indomethacin. However, other features overlap between PH and CH: Both are unilateral headaches; local autonomic symptoms are neither obligatory nor pathognomonic for either condition; and both come in episodic and chronic forms.

To examine whether clinical features might reliably distinguish the two types of headache syndromes, researchers examined 54 patients diagnosed with CH and 8 patients diagnosed with PH according to International Headache Society criteria, with an absolute response to indomethacin (≤150 mg/da…

Reviewing Author

Egilius L.H. Spierings, MD, PhD