Headaches: Cluster - Risk Factors

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Cluster Headache Triggers

The following conditions and substances might trigger cluster attacks:

• Alcohol and cigarette smoking
• High altitudes (trekking, air travel)
• Bright light (including sunlight)
• Exertion
• Heat (hot weather, hot baths)
• Foods high in nitrites (such as bacon and preserved meats)
• Certain medications (including those that cause blood vessel dilation, such as nitroglycerin, and various blood pressure medications)
• Cocaine

Triggers usually have an effect only during active cluster cycles. When the disorder is in remission, such triggers rarely set off the headaches.

Review Date: 09/29/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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