Cluster Headaches Overview

What is the typical duration of a cluster headache?

6-8 hours
2-4 hours
15 minutes to 2 hours (correct)
4-6 hours

How many attacks per day can a patient experiencing cluster headaches have?

Ten or more
Four to six
Seven to nine
One to three (correct)

Where does the pain of a cluster headache typically occur?

On the forehead
At the top of the head
In the neck
Behind or around one eye (correct)

Which gender is more affected by cluster headaches?

Men (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the symptoms associated with a cluster headache?

Tearing (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of management for cluster headaches?

Relieving the pain and decreasing the length of time of the cluster (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary basis for the treatment of cluster headaches?

Empiric evidence from clinical trials and observations (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a fast-acting treatment option for acute cluster headache attacks?

Oral ergotamine derivatives (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the proposed mechanism of action for intranasal lidocaine in treating cluster headaches?

Local anesthesia by blocking conduction of the vidian nerve or sphenopalatine ganglion (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential side effect of intranasal lidocaine administration?

Severe headache (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended starting dose of topiramate for the prevention of cluster headaches?

25 mg/day (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential side effect of topiramate that should be monitored?

Weight gain (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended maximum daily dose of lithium for the prevention of cluster headaches?

900 mg (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about glucocorticoids in the treatment of cluster headaches is TRUE?

More than 80% of patients with cluster headaches respond to glucocorticoid therapy (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities should be avoided by patients during a cluster headache episode?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dose of melatonin for the treatment of refractory cluster headaches?

10 mg nightly (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cluster headaches is true?

The intense pain and sleep loss from cluster headaches can significantly impact quality of life. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is recommended for monitoring the effectiveness of acute and preventive therapy for cluster headaches?

Keeping a headache diary (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about patient education for cluster headaches is true?

Patients should be educated on the importance of adhering to their prescribed medications. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the treatment of cluster headaches is true, according to the text?

Modifications in pharmacological management should be based on the headache diary. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about cluster headaches is true, according to the text?

Cluster headaches are a benign condition, despite the severe pain experienced during attacks. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is recommended for patients experiencing cluster headaches?

Be able to self-medicate for acute attacks, as the headache may resolve before reaching a medical clinic. (B) Signup and view all the answers