Cluster headache: focus on emerging therapies

Abstract

Cluster headache (CH) is a debilitating primary headache syndrome characterized by severe, unilateral head pain, accompanied by cranial autonomic symptoms. The pathophysiology of CH is not entirely understood but is believed to involve hypothalamic activation and trigeminal autonomic dysfunction. Treatment options for CH are limited and often unsatisfactory. This article reviews the clinical manifestations, differential diagnosis, and current treatment strategies for CH, with a focus on emerging therapies. Recent advances in the understanding of CH pathophysiology have led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches, including neuromodulation techniques and targeted pharmacologic agents. These emerging therapies offer promise for improving the management of CH and alleviating the associated pain and disability. – AI-generated abstract.