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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Cluster headache has a characteristic type of pain and pattern of attacks. A diagnosis depends on your description of the attacks, including your pain, the location and severity of your headaches, and associated symptoms. The frequency and duration of your headaches also are important factors.

If you have chronic or recurrent headaches, your doctor may try to pinpoint the type and cause of your headache using certain approaches.

Neurological examination
A neurological examination may help your doctor detect physical signs of a cluster headache. Sometimes the pupil of your eye may appear smaller, or your eyelid may droop, even between attacks.

Imaging tests
If you have unusual or complicated headaches or an abnormal neurological exam, you may undergo other diagnostic testing to rule out other serious causes of head pain, such as a tumor or aneurysm. Common brain-imaging tests include:

  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan. A CT scan uses a series of computer-directed X-rays to provide a comprehensive view of your brain.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI doesn't use X-rays. Instead, it combines magnetism, radio waves and computer technology to produce clear images of your brain.
Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment
References
  1. Simon RP, et al. Headache and facial pain. In: Simon RP, et al. Clinical Neurology. 7th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies: 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5146135&searchStr=cluster+headache. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  2. Ropper AH, et al. Headache and other craniofacial pains. In: Ropper AH, et al. Adam's and Victor's Principles of Neurology. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=3631051&searchStr=cluster+headache. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  3. Goadsby PJ, et al. Headache. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Online. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2890458&searchStr=cluster+headache#2890458. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  4. May A. Cluster headache: Epidemiology, clinical features and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  5. Cluster headaches. National Headache Foundation. http://www.headaches.org/education/Headache_Topic_Sheets/Cluster_Headaches. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  6. Headache: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/headache/detail_headache.htm. Accessed Nov. 29, 2010.
  7. Evers S. Pharmacotherapy of cluster headache. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. 2010;11:2121.
  8. May A. Cluster headache: Acute and preventive treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2010.
  9. Cohen AS, et al. High-flow oxygen for treatment of cluster headache: A randomized trial. 2009;302:2451.
  10. Francis GJ, et al. Acute and preventive treatment of cluster headache. Neurology. 2010;75:463.
  11. Melatonin. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=MAYO&s=ND&pt=100&id=940&ds=&name=MELATONIN&searchid=23998947. Accessed Nov. 23, 2010.
  12. Paemeleire K, et al. Occipital nerve stimulation for headache disorders. Neurotherapeutics: The Journal of the American Society for Experimental Neurotherapeutics. 2010;7:213.
  13. Sewell RA. Response of cluster headache to kudzu. Headache. 2009;49:98.
  14. Rossi P, et al. Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients with cluster headache: Results of a multi-centre headache clinic survey. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2008;16:220.
  15. Capsicum. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/nd/Search.aspx?cs=MAYO&s=ND&pt=100&id=945&ds=&name=CAPSICUM&searchid=23998947. Accessed Nov. 29, 2010.
  16. Swanson JW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 1, 2010.
  17. Headache diary. National Headache Foundation. http://www.headaches.org/pdf/Headache_Diary.pdf. Accessed Nov. 30, 2010.
DS00487 Feb. 8, 2011

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

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