Cluster Headache Cluster Headache Cluster headaches are a relatively uncommon form of headache. They are characterized by sudden sharp pain that involves one side of the head, usually the forehead and eye. The headaches last for anywhere from a few minutes to an hour and a half. There are two types of cluster headaches, episodic and chronic. The episodic type is much more common, occurring in about 90 percent of cases.
Cluster headaches occur much more frequently in men.
Cause The cause of cluster headache is unknown. The symptoms of the two types of cluster headaches, episodic and chronic are similar in a number of ways. They both exhibit sudden, sharp, stabbing pain in the forehead and eye. These symptoms all occur on the same side as the headache. The headaches tend to occur at the same time of day, and last for a standard amount of time.