Introduction to Cluster Headaches

Risk Factors for Cluster Headaches

Cluster headache, unlike migraine headache, is not generally considered to be an inherited condition, but there are documented cases in the literature of families with cluster headache. It appears that first-degree relatives of cluster patients have a 14-fold increased risk of developing cluster headache, while there is a two-fold increased risk of second-degree relatives developing cluster headaches. Recent studies suggest that there may be an autosomal dominant gene that plays a role in some families with cluster headaches. It is estimated that the gene occurs in up to 4% of men with cluster headache and in up to 10% of women who suffer from cluster headache. Cluster headache has also been noted in some sets of monozygotic twins who share the same genetic makeup.

While the specific risk factors for developing cluster headache is presently unknown, there are some common traits among many patients who have cluster headache, though a direct cause and effect has not been established. These include:

• Smoking - there is a very high association between smoking and cluster headache. Many physicians feel that you almost have to be a cigarette smoker to develop cluster headache, since up to 85% of patients with cluster headache are cigarette smokers. Unfortunately, cessation of smoking has no beneficial effects for those already suffering from cluster headache.
• Alcohol consumption - cluster headache has also been strongly tied to a history of alcohol consumption.
• Brain concussion following trauma
• First degree relative with cluster headache
• Family history of migraine headaches. Approximately 51% of individuals with cluster headache have a personal history or family history of migraine headaches.

In women, cluster headache does not appear to be linked to menses but the headaches tend to stop during pregnancy.