Cluster headache (CH): triggers and red flags
Written and reviewed by Dr Ibrahim Imam, Consultant Neurologist. Last reviewed .
Cluster headache (CH): triggers and red flags. Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), Sildenafil, Exercise. Fully referenced neurology checklist.
Triggers of CH attacks
- Alcohol within 1 hour of consumption: it is >1 hour with migraine
- Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)
- Sildenafil
- Exercise
- Environmental temperature
- Sleeping
- Solvents
- Nocturnal sleep
- Odours
- COVID19 vaccination
Red flags for secondary cluster headache
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References
- Matharu M, Goadsby P. Cluster headache. Pract Neurol 2001; 1:42-49.
- Nesbitt AD, Goadsby PJ. Cluster headache. BMJ 2012; 344:e2407.
- Brandt RB, Ouwehand RH, Ferrari MD, Haan J, Fronczek R. COVID-19 vaccination-triggered cluster headache episodes with frequent attacks. Cephalalgia 2022 (Online ahead of print).
- Mainardi F, Trucco M, Maggioni F, Palestini C, Dainese F, Zanchin G. Cluster-like headache. A comprehensive reappraisal. Cephalalgia 2010; 30:399-412.
Related checklists
- Cluster headache (CH): causes
- Cluster headache (CH): clinical features
- Cluster headache (CH): co-morbid disorders
- Cluster headache (CH) in women
- Cluster headache (CH): acute treatment
- Cluster headache (CH): transitional prophylaxis
- Cluster headache (CH): chronic drug prophylaxis
- Cluster headache (CH): interventional prophylaxis
