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Review
. 2022 Feb;45(1):15-20.
doi: 10.18773/austprescr.2022.004. Epub 2022 Feb 1.

Cluster headache in adults

Jason C Ray  1   2   3   4 , Richard J Stark  1   2   3   4 , Elspeth J Hutton  1   2   3   4
Affiliations
Review

Cluster headache in adults

Jason C Ray et al. Aust Prescr. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Cluster headache is characterised by attacks of very severe, unilateral headache lasting 15-180 minutes, up to eight times per day. The attacks are associated with cranial autonomic symptoms on the same side and a sense of agitation or restlessness First-line acute abortive treatments include intranasal or subcutaneous sumatriptan or high-flow oxygen. Neuromodulation may benefit some patients First-line preventive therapy is high-dose verapamil. Close monitoring is required for the adverse effect of arrhythmia There are several emerging therapies that have either proven efficacy, or possible benefit for cluster headache. They include drugs aimed at the calcitonin gene-related peptide.

Keywords: calcitonin gene-related peptide; cluster headache; trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias; triptans.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: Jason Ray has received compensation from the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, sponsored by Viatris for educational material. Richard Stark has served on advisory boards for Novartis, Teva, Eli Lilly, Allergan, Lundbeck and has received payment for educational presentations from Allergan, Teva, Eli Lilly and Novartis. Elspeth Hutton has served on advisory boards for Sanofi-Genzyme, Novartis, Teva, Eli Lilly, Allergan, Lundbeck, been involved in clinical trials sponsored by Novartis, Teva, Xalud, Daewong and Novotech, and has received payment for educational presentations from Allergan, Teva, Eli Lilly and Novarti

Figures

Fig
Fig
Evaluation of a side-locked headache
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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