Recent studies estimate that PEH affects from 1 to 26% of the adult population. A secondary cause is thought to be present infrequently, but should be explored in all patients with a first or atypical presentation of exercise headache. Red flags for potential secondary causes may include older age at onset and more prolonged headache duration. There is inadequate evidence to include gender as a red flag. No recent trials have been conducted, but experts suggest that avoidance of triggers coupled with short-term NSAID and/or beta-blocker treatment may be effective for patients diagnosed with PEH. Larger studies are needed to provide high-quality evidence regarding the pathophysiology and treatment of PEH. However, recent work has shed light on the characteristics of this condition, and the ICHD-3 has provided important updates to the diagnostic criteria for this relatively common and potentially treatable condition.
Cluster headache (CH) is a debilitating primary headache disorder. Although uncommon, affecting only 0.1% of population, it is one of the most painful conditions known to humankind. Three strategies are employed for effective treatment of CH, namely, abortive therapy, transitional therapy, and preventive therapy. Being an uncommon condition, there is a paucity of large-scale controlled trials and evidence of various therapies are based on smaller studies. This review primarily focuses on therapies with highest quality of evidence and also on the emerging therapies for CH.
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