Cluster Attack

Oomen (2011) Microvascular decompression of the pterygopalatine ganglion in patients with refractory cluster headache Abstract Background: Cluster headache is an invalidating form of headache. Although cluster headache can be managed pharmacologically, some patients require surgical treatment with varying results. Microvascular decompression of the pterygo-palatine ganglion could be an alternative to traditional surgical management in patients…Read More…

Geerlings (2011) Rebound following oxygen therapy in cluster headache Abstract Background: Rapid recurrence of a new cluster headache attack following oxygen treatment was named the ‘rebound effect’ by Kudrow (1981). It has never been studied properly. To study this effect, we defined it as a more rapid than usual (for the individual patient) recurrent cluster…Read More…

Pageler (2010) Frovatriptan for Prophylactic Treatment of Cluster Headache–Lessons for Future Trial Design From Cologne in Germany comes news that the trial of frovatriptan for prophylactic treatment of cluster headache has flamed out. The sponsor has pulled the plug! Dr. Pageler’s paper discusses why. Most people are familiar with Imitrex, a.k.a. sumatriptan, which is a…Read More…

Narouze (2010) Role of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Neuroablation in the Management of Cluster Headache Sick of taking pills or sucking down oxygen? From the Cleveland Clinic comes this review of one of the less invasive forms of surgery for cluster headache—sphenopalatine ablation. Cluster attacks originate in a small part of the brain in the center of…Read More…

Mauskop (1995) Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate Relieves Cluster Headaches in Patients With Low Serum Ionized Magnesium Levels Loyal readers (such as there are) will have noted a long pause between this post and the last on this blog. Well, I was promoted to a new faculty position with a dizzying array of new responsibilities. And I…Read More…

Cohen A, Burns B & Goadsby PJ (2009) “High-Flow Oxygen for Treatment of Cluster Headache–A Randomized Trial” . JAMA 302(22):2451-2457. (Click author to see paper) AUTHORS’ ABSTRACT: Cluster headache is an excruciatingly painful primary headache syndrome, with attacks of unilateral pain and cranial autonomic symptoms. The current licensed treatment for acute attacks is subcutaneous sumatriptan.…Read More…

B Burns, L Watkins & PJ Goadsby (2009). “Treatment of intractable chronic cluster headache by occipital nerve stimulation in 14 patients”, Neurology, 72: 341-345 (click author to see paper) AUTHORS’ ABSTRACT: Background: Cluster headache is a primary headache involving repeated attacks of excruciatingly severe headache usually occurring several times a day. Most patients with chronic…Read More…