What distinguishes the paroxysmal hemicranias from cluster headache?
The major distinguishing features of the PH and cluster headache lie in the frequency of the attack, the duration of the attack, and the response to treatment. In addition, the PHs do not show the striking preponderance among males that characterizes cluster headache. In cluster headache, attacks are less frequent but of longer duration—one or two a day with a typical duration of 30 minutes to 2 hours. Attacks in the PH exceed five a day and last 2 to 25 minutes each.