What is the epidemiology of Cluster Headaches
The lifetime prevalence is about 0.1% and the 1-year prevalence is 53 per 100,000, with a male to female ratio of 4:1.
Onset is typically from ages 20 to 40 years although the range is from 4 to 96 years, with onset occurring after the age of 50 years in 10% of cases.
Five to 20% have a family history.
The risk of CH for first-degree relatives is increased by 14- to 39-fold. Up to 85% of patients are chronic cigarette smokers, but quitting smoking has no effect on the disease.
During cluster periods, trigger factors include alcohol ingestion and nitric oxide donors or promoters such as nitroglycerin or sildenafil.
