Cluster headache: expansion of the clinical spectrum

We developed an easy and semi-automated way to collect large numbers of cluster headache patients for large scale genetic-epidemiologic studies which we called the LUCA program. Cluster headache is associated with three times higher odds for lifetime depression compared to controls. About one third of cluster headache patients report allodynia during attacks. The term cluster-tic should be avoided as it, incorrectly, suggests a separate clinically entity, with an innate pathophysiological mechanism and treatment. Cluster headache and epilepsy are comorbid disorders which supports the hypothesis that cortical hyperexcitability may play a role in cluster headache. The ICON study will determine if occipital nerve stimulation is an effective preventive treatment for patients suffering medically intractable chronic cluster headache.