Typically unilateral, very painful (stabbing), periorbital, frontal, or temporal headache associated with ipsilateral tearing, rhinorrhea, sweating, nasal stuffiness, and/or a droopy eyelid. Usually lasts for minutes to hours. Typically recurs once or twice daily for several weeks, followed by a headache-free interval of months to years. The cycle may repeat. Predominantly affects men. Headache awakens patients, whereas migraine does not.
Ipsilateral conjunctival injection, facial flush, or Horner syndrome (third-order neuron etiology) may be present. Ptosis may become permanent.
Precipitating Factors
Alcohol, nitroglycerin.