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Cluster headache and head trauma: is there an association?
1Barrow Neurological Institute, 350 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA. r2walker@chw.edu
Current Pain and Headache Reports
|March 21, 2007
Summary
This review explores the link between head trauma and cluster headache. It questions whether head trauma could cause cluster headache, potentially reclassifying it as a secondary headache disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Headache Medicine
Background:
- Cluster headache is a primary headache disorder.
- The potential link between head trauma and cluster headache is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on the association between head trauma and cluster headache.
- To discuss conditions co-occurring with cluster headache that challenge primary/secondary classifications.
- To explore the evolving understanding of cluster headache pathophysiology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on cluster headache and head trauma.
- Analysis of associated conditions and their impact on headache classification.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests a possible association between head trauma and cluster headache.
- Certain co-occurring conditions raise questions about the primary classification of cluster headache.
- The pathophysiology of cluster headache may be influenced by head trauma.
Conclusions:
- The role of head trauma in cluster headache development requires further investigation.
- The classification of cluster headache may need revision to include secondary causes related to head trauma.
- Increased understanding of pathophysiology could clarify the causative link.
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