Familial aggregation of cluster headache

Several studies suggest a strong familial aggregation for cluster headache (CH), but so far none of them have included subjects with probable cluster headache (PCH) in accordance with the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Objective To identify cases of probable cluster headache and to assess the familial aggregation of cluster headache by including these subjects. Method Thirty-six patients attending a headache consultation and diagnosed with trigeminal autonomic headaches were subjected to a questionnaire-based interview. A telephone interview was also applied to all the relatives who were pointed out as possibly affected as well as to some of the remaining relatives. Results Twenty-four probands fulfilled the criteria for CH or PCH; they had 142 first-degree relatives, of whom five were found to have CH or PCH, including one case of CH sine headache. The risk for first-degree relatives was observed to be increased by 35- to 46-fold. Conclusion Our results suggest a familial aggregation of cluster headache in the Portuguese population.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Cruz,Simao, Lemos,Carolina, Monteiro,Jose Maria Pereira
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: Academia Brasileira de Neurologia - ABNEURO 2013
Online Access:http://old.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0004-282X2013001200866
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Summary:Several studies suggest a strong familial aggregation for cluster headache (CH), but so far none of them have included subjects with probable cluster headache (PCH) in accordance with the International Classification of Headache Disorders. Objective To identify cases of probable cluster headache and to assess the familial aggregation of cluster headache by including these subjects. Method Thirty-six patients attending a headache consultation and diagnosed with trigeminal autonomic headaches were subjected to a questionnaire-based interview. A telephone interview was also applied to all the relatives who were pointed out as possibly affected as well as to some of the remaining relatives. Results Twenty-four probands fulfilled the criteria for CH or PCH; they had 142 first-degree relatives, of whom five were found to have CH or PCH, including one case of CH sine headache. The risk for first-degree relatives was observed to be increased by 35- to 46-fold. Conclusion Our results suggest a familial aggregation of cluster headache in the Portuguese population.