Cluster Headaches

Cause

The cause of cluster headaches is not clear. They may be genetic because you are more likely to develop cluster headaches if a parent or sibling has them.

Cluster headaches may be caused by a problem in an area of the brain called the hypothalamus, although the specific problem or abnormality that triggers cluster headaches is unclear.

Alcohol, sleep apnea (regularly stopping breathing during sleep), stress, or fatigue may trigger cluster headaches or make them worse after a cycle of headaches begins.

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Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: April 11, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
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