[Cluster headache and chronic paroxysmal hemicrania--effectiveness of oxygen inhalation].

Abstract

Ten patients suffering from cluster headache or variants of cluster headache were made to inhale oxygen in an attempt to check these attacks. This treatment proved a success with six patients with classic ("episodic") cluster headache, as well as with another patient suffering from secondary chronic cluster headache. One patient with primary chronic cluster headache and another with chronic paroxysmal hemicrania (PCH) experienced only temporary relief and a female patient with PHC showed no reaction to oxygen inhalation. The patient who suffered from secondary chronic cluster headache has had no further attacks in the four years following this treatment.