Cluster Headache
Prevalence And Diagnosis Of Cluster Headaches
Prevalence of cluster headaches:
It
is often seen that it is the older population which is more at risk of
developing cluster headaches. Also, men are more prone to it than women.
But,
over the past few decades, it has been found that the gap between the
sexes, as far as cluster headaches are concerned, is decreasing. This
can probably be because now more and more women are being afflicted and
diagnosed with it.
The statistics for the rest of the world are
not available, but it is estimated that approximately 1 to 4 in every
thousand people in the United States and Western Europe suffer from this
condition. It is more common as you move away from the equator towards
the poles.
Although no single gene has been
identified which can result in this condition, if any one in your
immediate family has this disease, then you are also likely to be a
candidate for the same.
Diagnosis of cluster headaches:
The
symptoms of cluster headaches are so distinctive that it is relatively
easy for the physician to pinpoint the condition. However, some tests
may be recommended to confirm the presence of cluster headaches. This is
because there are some other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of
cluster headaches. An aneurysm of the carotid artery in the head, a
tumor, sinusitis and glaucoma - all of these conditions can exhibit
similar symptoms.
Also, if the pain occurs at regular intervals
throughout the day and gets worse with lying down, it is a sure shot
sign of a cluster headache. Sometimes, even some doctors are unfamiliar
about this disease and they may misconstrue it as drug-seeking behavior.
But actually the victim is usnder a lot of pain and needs to be promptly
attended to.