Cluster Headache: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

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Cluster Headache: The Daily PANCE Blueprint

A 45-year-old man presents with a history of recurrent, severe headaches. He describes the headaches as unilateral, localized around the eye and temple, and lasting about 1-2 hours. These episodes occur several times a day over a period of weeks, followed by a period of remission. During the headaches, he also experiences lacrimation and nasal congestion on the same side as the headache. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

A. Migraine
B. Tension-type headache
C. Cluster headache
D. Trigeminal neuralgia
E. Temporal arteritis

Answer and topic summary

The answer is C. Cluster headache

The patient’s symptoms are characteristic of cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are known for their severe, unilateral pain, often around the eye or temple, and are associated with autonomic symptoms such as lacrimation and nasal congestion on the same side as the headache. They occur in clusters, with multiple episodes happening daily over weeks, followed by a period of remission. The episodic nature and the specific pattern of symptoms described by the patient are typical of cluster headaches.

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Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Neurology ⇒ Headaches (PEARLS) ⇒ Cluster headache