CASE-CONTROL STUDY ON THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CLUSTER HEADACHE .1. ETIOLOGIC FACTORS AND ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

The etiological and physiopathological mechanisms of cluster headache (CH) are still largely unknown. The majority of the studies published on the possible risk factors and conditions associated with CH rely on either anecdotal observations or generalizations and have not been su pported by serious epidemiological investigations. The aim of this cas e-control study was to evaluate the real association of life habits an d general risk factors with CH. CH was associated only with cigarette smoking, head trauma and a positive family history for headache. Furth er epidemiologic studies are probably necessary in order to find clues to CH etiology.