Which statement best describes the pattern of episodic cluster headaches?

Which statement best describes the pattern of episodic cluster headaches?

• A. Chronic daily attacks with no remission.
• B. Attacks occur daily for 2 weeks to several months, followed by long pain-free intervals.
• C. Pain-free intervals do not occur.
• D. Attacks occur only during daytime.

Answer: (B)

Episodic cluster headaches occur in defined bout periods where attacks are very frequent, then disappear for a long remission. During a cluster period, attacks happen daily and can last from about 15 minutes up to a few hours, often at the same time each day and frequently waking patients at night. After 2 weeks to several months of these daily attacks, the cluster ends and there are long pain-free intervals that can last months to years. This pattern—daily attacks during a cluster lasting 2 weeks to months, followed by long pain-free gaps—best fits the episodic form.

Episodic cluster headaches occur in defined bout periods where attacks are very frequent, then disappear for a long remission. During a cluster period, attacks happen daily and can last from about 15 minutes up to a few hours, often at the same time each day and frequently waking patients at night. After 2 weeks to several months of these daily attacks, the cluster ends and there are long pain-free intervals that can last months to years. This pattern—daily attacks during a cluster lasting 2 weeks to months, followed by long pain-free gaps—best fits the episodic form.