Table 4 Comparison of migraine and cluster headache
From: Cluster headache
Migraine | Cluster headache | Common characteristics |
|---|---|---|
No periodicity (except with menses) | Periodicity (annual and daily) | Incapacitating |
| Â | Â | Alcohol is a trigger |
Attacks > 4 h | Attacks < 3 h | Triptan effect (spray and subcutaneous) |
Female > Male | Male > Female | Â |
Prostration, quietness | Restlessness, agitation | Dysautonomic symptoms (typical in CH, but may occur in migraine) |
Pain moderate to severe | Pain is severe | Â |
Pain can be bilateral | Unilateral | Â |
Nausea and photophobia typical | Nausea and photophobia can happen but not typical | Â |
Dietary and hormonal triggers | No dietary trigger except alcohol | NB The two types of headache may coexist |