Cluster Headache And Its Epidemiology Assignment

Cluster Headache And Its Epidemiology Assignment

NEIDA MIRABAL

11 hours ago, at 11:55 PM

Describe Cluster Headache and its epidemiology:

Headaches have been a cause of distress for humanity for thousands of years. Cluster headaches are cycles of headache attacks, followed by headache-free periods (Kivi, 2018). Approximately, 0.1 % of the population suffers from cluster headaches. Patients suffer from cluster headache attacks lasting from 15 to 180 min up to 8 times a day (Wei, 2018). They may have the following symptoms: droopy eyelid, constricted pupil, sensitivity to light, etc. (Kivi, 2018).

Due to the rarity of cluster headaches compared to “migraines”, it is difficult to accurately assess the prevalence of cluster headaches in the community (Wei, 2018). However, it is not impossible. Using questionnaires based on the ICHD criteria makes it possible to identify possible causes. Community-based studies have been performed to ascertain the prevalence of cluster headaches. They are generally modeled on a two-step process: the first step is to screen for possible cluster headache cases either through mailed questionnaires or structured interviews based on the ICHD criteria, second interviews are performed by neurologists to assess cases further (Wei, 2018).

What would be your goals for therapy for Richard? Give rationale with evidence from articles.

Once Richard has gone through the two-step process, and neurologists have determined he has cluster headaches, the goals for therapy, in this case, are: to decrease the severity of pain, shorten the headache period and prevent the attacks (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Prescribing medication would be a rational answer to minimize pain. Triptans, a medication used for migraines, are also effective in treating acute cluster headaches (Mayo Clinic, 2019). Richard may also take, Octreotide, Local anesthetics, and Dihydroergotamine, to minimize the pain inflicted by cluster headaches, inhaling some oxygen may also have relieving effects (Mayo Clinic, 2019). To prevent cluster headaches, Richard may take Calcium channel blockers, Lithium carbonate, or nerve block. References:

Kivi, R. (2018). Cluster Headaches. healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/cluster-headache .

Wei, D. Y., Yuan Ong, J. J., & Goadsby, P. J. (2018). Cluster Headache: Epidemiology, Pathophysiology, Clinical Features, and Diagnosis. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 21(Suppl 1), S3–S8. https://doi.org/10.4103/aian.AIAN_349_17

MayoClinic. (2019, June 4). Cluster headache. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cluster-headache/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352084.

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Roxana Gonzalez

12 hours ago, at 10:49 PM

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Roxana Gonzalez

Florida National University

June 30,2021

Cluster Headache and its epidemiology.

Cluster headache is among the most severe pains known to mankind. It is characterized by excruciating, debilitating pain lasting from 15 minutes to 3 hours, and occasionally longer. The pain is usually located around or through one eye, or on the temple. The series of cluster headaches lasts several weeks to several months, and can occur once or twice per year, every other year, or even less frequently. Cluster headaches tend to occur more in the spring and fall. Cluster headaches occur more frequently in men than women (2.5:1 ratio). Approximately 1 out of every 250 men have cluster headaches. The age of onset of cluster headaches is usually between age 20 and 45, but there are cases of cluster headaches occurring in teenagers, and occasionally the headaches begin after age 50, though rarely after 70 years of age. Women tend to have an older age of onset than men. There is usually no family history of cluster headaches, but occasionally cluster headaches do run in families.

What would be your goals for therapy for Richard?

Richards goals for therapy will include Oxygen. Oxygen is effective in approximately 70% of cluster headache patients. To obtain a small tank with a mask is relatively easy and not terribly expensive. The tanks are usually rented for one month. If feasible, most patients with cluster headaches should attempt to use oxygen for their attacks. The patient should be sitting with the body leaning slightly forward. A mask is used and 100% oxygen is inhaled at 12 to15 liters per minute. In healthy patients with no pulmonary problems, the oxygen may be inhaled for 15 to 20 minutes. A re breather mask is helpful.

Brandt, R. B., Doesborg, P., Haan, J., Ferrari, M. D., & Fronczek, R. (2020). Pharmacotherapy for Cluster Headache. CNS drugs, 34(2), 171–184. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-019-00696-2

Wei, D. Y. T., Ong, J. J. Y., & Goadsby, P. J. (2018). Cluster headache: epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology, 21(Suppl 1), S3.

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