Disease Database Drug Database Alt. Unlike migraine, cluster headache is not hereditary, however, migraine sufferers are quite often found in the family of the cluster sufferer. Cluster headache affects less than one percent of the population. Eighty-five per cent of all cluster headache sufferers are men, and although it can occur at any age, it is most common between ages 20 and 40. The cluster headache gets its name from the fact that it arrives in groups or clusters, often occurring a couple of times a day for up to several weeks.
Many people experience their attacks at the same time each year.
Each attack usually lasts from 30 to 45 minutes and rarely longer than four hours. The pain is sharp, piercing and debilitating. It is concentrated on one side of the head, and is often described as a hot poker going through one eye. On that side, the eyelid may droop, the eye may become red and tear, and the nose may be stuffy and running on one side. The severity of the pain often causes a sufferer to pace, rock or bang their head against a wall.