Who Gets Cluster Headaches?
Cluster headaches are the least common type of headaches, affecting less than 1 in 1,000 people. Cluster headaches are a young person’s disease: the headaches typically start before age 30. Cluster headaches are more common in men, but more women are starting to be diagnosed with this problem. The male to female ratio is 2-3:1. What Causes Cluster Headaches? The true biochemical cause of cluster headaches is unknown. However, the headaches occur when a nerve pathway in the base of the brain (the trigeminal-autonomic reflex pathway) is activated. The trigeminal nerve is the main nerve of the face responsible for sensations (such as heat or pain.) When activated, the trigeminal nerve causes the eye pain associated with cluster headaches. The trigeminal nerve also stimulates another group of nerves that causes the eye tearing and redness, nasal congestion, and discharge associated with cluster attacks. The activation of the trigeminal nerve appears to come from a deep…