Cluster headaches are more common in men than women, affecting men around five times more frequently. Cluster headaches involve severe, localized pain around the eye and behind it that lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours. They tend to occur in distinct clusters for weeks or months at a time, followed by remission periods without headaches. While the exact cause is unknown, risk factors like smoking may contribute, and there is likely a genetic component given increased risk with a family history. Men typically experience their lone cluster headache peak in their 20s, while women have two peaks in their teens and 40s, though both sexes average three headaches per day.

1. CLUSTER HEADACHES ARE MORE COMMON IN MEN
Both men and women experience headaches.Certain types of headaches,however,may be more common in one
sex than in the other.
Cluster headaches are a good example of how headaches can affectmen and women differently. Sorry, guys —
research shows thatmen are about five times more likelyto have cluster headaches than women.1
What is a cluster headache?
Cluster headaches tend to occur in clusters atthe same time ofday or nightfor several weeks or months, followed by
a period of remission — a length of time during which there are no cluster attacks.1,2
Cluster headaches are also often
seasonal,with spring and autumn bringing more attacks.1
Head pain from a cluster headache is severe1
and may lastfrom 30 minutes to 2 hours.2
Pain is usuallyisolated to
one side of the head and behind and around the eye.1, 2
Other common cluster headache symptoms include red,
watery eyes and a blocked or runny nose that only affect the painful side 1,2
Cluster headaches in men versus women
The reason men getcluster headaches more often than women is notwell known.Some known risk factors for
cluster headaches include smoking,and sensitivityto certain types of foods,2
though it is not known whether these
triggers differ significantlyin men and women.Cluster headaches mayalso have a genetic link, with a familyhistory
of cluster headaches increasing one’s risk,and this could playa role in the increased incidence.2,3
Cluster headache symptoms and onsetare also slightlydifferentin men than in women:
 Women tend to have two cluster headache development peaks in their lifetime, in
their teens and 40s. Men, on the other hand, usually have only a single
headache development peak, in their 20s4
 Both men and women have an average of three cluster headaches per
day.4
Women, however, experience shorter periods of head pain than men.4
Treatmentfor cluster headaches does notvary between men and women.Treatmentoptions mayinclude
prescription drugs to treator prevent the headache,oxygen therapy, or, in rare cases,surgical procedures.1,2
Pain
relievers may not work in cluster headache as they take too long to have an effect and the headache maybe over by
then.1, 2
If you are experiencing cluster headaches itis bestto see your doctor.
References
1. Lifting the Burden. Information for people affected by cluster headache. Available
at: http://www.l-t-b.org/assets/98/91498A98-D07F-9C38-
9BCC46611D89FE2F_document/What_is_cluster_headache.pdf.
2. US Medline Plus. Cluster headache. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000786.htm.
3. Russell MB, et al. Familial occurrence of cluster headache. JNeurol, Neurosurg &
Psych, 1995; 58: 341-343.http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/58/3/341.abstract
4. Rozen TD, et al. Cluster headache in women: clinical characteristics and
comparison with cluster headache in men. J Neuro, Neurosurg & Psych,2001;
70: 613-617. http://jnnp.bmj.com/content/70/5/613.abstract