Prevalence And Diagnosis Of Cluster Headaches

 

Prevalence of cluster headaches:

It is often seen that it is the older population which is more at risk of developing cluster headaches. Also, men are more prone to it than women.

But, over the past few decades, it has been found that the gap between the sexes, as far as cluster headaches are concerned, is decreasing. This can probably be because now more and more women are being afflicted and diagnosed with it.

The statistics for the rest of the world are not available, but it is estimated that approximately 1 to 4 in every thousand people in the United States and Western Europe suffer from this condition. It is more common as you move away from the equator towards the poles.

Although no single gene has been identified which can result in this condition, if any one in your immediate family has this disease, then you are also likely to be a candidate for the same.

Diagnosis of cluster headaches:
The symptoms of cluster headaches are so distinctive that it is relatively easy for the physician to pinpoint the condition. However, some tests may be recommended to confirm the presence of cluster headaches. This is because there are some other conditions which may mimic the symptoms of cluster headaches. An aneurysm of the carotid artery in the head, a tumor, sinusitis and glaucoma - all of these conditions can exhibit similar symptoms.

Also, if the pain occurs at regular intervals throughout the day and gets worse with lying down, it is a sure shot sign of a cluster headache. Sometimes, even some doctors are unfamiliar about this disease and they may misconstrue it as drug-seeking behavior. But actually the victim is usnder a lot of pain and needs to be promptly attended to.


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