Menstrual Migraine With Features of Cluster Headache. A Report of 10 Cases

Ten patients with menstrually related migraine headaches and significant features of cluster headache are described. The mean age of onset of the headache was 29 years. The duration of the pain was more typical for migraine, with an average of 3 days. The pain was sharp with associated tear formation and nasal congestion. Eight of the women described significant nausea. Only one reported any type of cluster headache outside of the menstrual time. Four patients experienced tension headaches, and four also had migraines not related to menses (without cluster features). Preventive medications were generally not helpful. The abortive medications that did help included sumatriptan, Cafergot PB suppositories, and corticosteroids. Oxygen was useful in two patients. While analgesics did help three patients, lidocaine nasal spray was ineffective in four of the women.