Table 6 Comparison of cluster headache and trigeminal neuralgia

Age

Starts around 20–30

60

Sex

Male

Female

Pain localization

Orbital, temporal

Nasal, maxillary, dental

Attack duration

15 to 180 minutes

Seconds, but repeated shocks

Pain character

Knife-like, stabbing, lancinating

Electric shocks, burning, stinging

Trigger zone

No

Yes

Neurovegetative signs

Yes

No

Refractory period after attack

Not typical

Yes

Frequency per day

1–8

Highly variable but may be dozens or more