Cluster headache

By Mayo Clinic Staff
Aug. 13, 2025

Research

Mayo Clinic researchers study cluster headache and other types of headache. Researchers study new medicines and other treatments to help prevent and treat cluster headaches. Read more about Mayo Clinic pain and headache research.

Researchers continue studying other promising cluster headache treatments, including:

  • Occipital nerve stimulation. In this procedure, a surgeon implants electrodes in the back of the head and connects them to a small generator. The electrodes send impulses to stimulate the area of the occipital nerve. This might block or relieve pain signals.
  • Deep brain stimulation. In this procedure, a surgeon implants an electrode into a specific area of the brain, known as the hypothalamus. This area is linked to the timing of cluster headache periods. The surgeon connects the electrode to a generator that changes the brain's electrical impulses. This might help relieve pain.

Publications

See a list of publications about cluster headache by Mayo Clinic doctors on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.

  1. Cluster headache. National Headache Foundation. https://headaches.org/cluster-headaches/. Accessed Jan. 31, 2023.
  2. May A. Cluster headache: Epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 31, 2023.
  3. San-Juan, D, et al. Cluster headache: An update on clinical features, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Frontiers in Pain Research. 2024; doi:10.3389/fpain.2024.1373528.
  4. May A. Cluster headache: Treatment and prognosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 31, 2023.
  5. Headache. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/headache?search-term=headache:%20hope%20through%20research. Accessed June 31. 2023.
  6. Xu X-H, et al. Cluster headache: Understandings of current knowledge and directions for whole process management. Frontiers in Neurology. 2024; doi:10.3389/fneur.2024.1456517.
  7. Schor LI, et al. The location of pain in cluster headache: Data from the International Cluster Headache Questionnaire. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain. 2024; doi:10.1111/head.14766.
  8. Ami T. EPSi. Mayo Clinic. June 16, 2025.
  9. Bertotti G, et al. Cluster headache and migraine shared and unique insights: Neurophysiological implications, neuroimaging, and biomarkers: A comprehensive review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025; doi.org/10.3390/jcm14072160.
  10. Thomsen AV, et al. Clinical features of migraine with aura: a REFORM study. The Journal of Headache and Pain. 2024; doi.org/10.1186/s10194-024-01718-1.