Diagnosing Cluster Headache

I have mentioned before that diagnosing headache can be difficult and that many headache sufferers on their journey have been given more than one diagnosis. I recently came across some statistics, which although were in relation to diagnosing Cluster Headache, illustrate the complexities and frustrations of headache and migraine diagnosis.

Klapper et al1 using an internet survey investigated the process of diagnosing Cluster Headache. It was revealed that there was an average of 6.6 years’ delay in correct diagnosis. Eighty-seven per cent of Cluster Headache sufferers met the International Headache Society’s criteria for Cluster Headache (and should have been diagnosed by the first physician); an average of 4.3 physicians were seen and an average 3.9 incorrect diagnoses made before diagnosis of Cluster Headache and because of incorrect initial diagnosis, 4% of patients underwent unnecessary surgery.

I find this hard to comprehend. Cluster Headache, because of the redness of the eye and nasal symptoms, is easily recognised.

Cheers

Dean

(Klapper JA, Klapper A, Voss T. The misdiagnosis of cluster headache: a nonclinic, population-based, internet survey. Headache 2000; 40:730–5.)

© 2009 & Beyond. Watson Headache Institute, All Rights Reserved.