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Published on: June 2, 2014
Familial aggregation of cluster headache
Simão Cruz1, Carolina Lemos2, José Maria Pereira Monteiro3
1Serviço de Neurologia, Hospital Prof. Dr. Fernando Fonseca, Portugal, Sintra.
Insights
Cluster headache (CH) shows strong familial aggregation. This study included probable cluster headache (PCH) cases, revealing a 35- to 46-fold increased risk for first-degree relatives.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Familial aggregation of cluster headache (CH) is suggested by prior studies.
- Previous research has not included probable cluster headache (PCH) cases.
- The International Classification of Headache Disorders criteria are the standard for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify PCH cases.
- To assess familial aggregation of CH by including PCH subjects.
- To determine the risk of CH in relatives of affected individuals.
Main Methods:
- Thirty-six patients with trigeminal autonomic headaches were interviewed using questionnaires.
- Telephone interviews were conducted with relatives identified as possibly affected.
- Relatives were assessed for CH or PCH based on diagnostic criteria.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four probands met criteria for CH or PCH.
- These probands had 142 first-degree relatives.
- Five relatives were diagnosed with CH or PCH, indicating a 35- to 46-fold increased risk.
Conclusions:
- The study suggests significant familial aggregation of cluster headache in the Portuguese population.
- Inclusion of PCH cases strengthens the evidence for genetic predisposition.
- Further research may elucidate specific genetic factors contributing to CH.
Unlabelled:
Several studies suggest a strong familial aggregation for cluster headache (CH), but so far none of them have included subjects with probable cluster headache (PCH) in accordance with the International Classification of Headache Disorders.
Objective:
To identify cases of probable cluster headache and to assess the familial aggregation of cluster headache by including these subjects.
Method:
Thirty-six patients attending a headache consultation and diagnosed with trigeminal autonomic headaches were subjected to a questionnaire-based interview. A telephone interview was also applied to all the relatives who were pointed out as possibly affected as well as to some of the remaining relatives.
Results:
Twenty-four probands fulfilled the criteria for CH or PCH; they had 142 first-degree relatives, of whom five were found to have CH or PCH, including one case of CH sine headache. The risk for first-degree relatives was observed to be increased by 35- to 46-fold.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest a familial aggregation of cluster headache in the Portuguese population.
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