Cluster headaches more severe in women

Although cluster headaches may be more common in men, they may be more severe for women, researchers reported in Neurology.

Cluster headaches are short, extremely painful headaches that can last for many days or weeks in a row, according to a press release from the American Academy of Neurology.

“Cluster headache is still often misdiagnosed in women, perhaps because some aspects can be similar to migraine,” Andrea C. Belin, PhD, study author, stated in the release. “It is important for physicians to be aware of how the disorder manifests differently in men and women so the most effective treatment can be given as fast as possible.”

A total of 874 individuals diagnosed with cluster headaches were included in the study (66% male). Participants answered a questionnaire about symptoms, medications, headache triggers and lifestyle habits. Chronic, or severe, cluster headaches were reported in 18% of female participants, compared with 9% of male.

In addition, attacks lasted longer among female participants. Eight percent of women said headache bouts last an average of 4 to 7 months, compared with 5% of men, while 26% of women said bouts on average lasted less than 1 month, compared with 30% of men.

“While the ratio of men to women with cluster headache has been shifting over the years, it is still considered mainly a disorder of men, making it more difficult for women with milder symptoms to be diagnosed with cluster headache than men,” Belin said. “It’s possible this could contribute to the higher rate of chronic cluster headache in women.”

Reference:

Cluster headache may be more severe in women. https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5035. Published Dec. 21, 2022; Accessed Dec. 22, 2022.