Cluster headache variant. Spectrum of a new headache syndrome
J. L. Medina and S. Diamond
The syndrome of cluster headache variant is characterized by the occurrence
of three combined symptoms: atypical cluster headaches, multiple jabs, and
background vascular headaches. Atypical cluster headaches are localized
headaches that occur several times daily, usually without any headache-free
periods. They differ from the typical chronic cluster headache in their
location, duration, frequent shifting, and frequency. Multiple jabs are
short-lasting, sharp pains of variable severity and location. Background
vascular headache is a chronic, continuous often unilateral headache of
variable severity that throbs at rest or begins to throb during exertion.
We have studied 54 patients between the ages of 14 and 78 years (average
age, 40.5 years). Forty-five (83%) patients responded to indomethacin.
Complete control was achieved in 50% of the patients. The nine patients who
did not respond to indomethacin were depressed. These nine patients
responded well to tricyclic antidepressants.
