Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Cluster headaches predominantly occur in which demographic?

1. Adolescent females

2. Middle-aged men

3. Elderly men

4. Postmenopausal women

The correct answer is: Middle-aged men

Cluster headaches predominantly occur in middle-aged men, making this the correct response. This demographic shows a significantly higher prevalence for cluster headaches compared to other groups. Research indicates that most individuals suffering from cluster headaches are typically males between the ages of 30 and 50. The exact reasons for this gender disparity are not entirely clear, but hormonal differences and variations in pain thresholds may play a role. Moreover, cluster headaches tend to be more common in individuals with a history of smoking or heavy alcohol use, which again points toward a demographic that includes primarily middle-aged men. In contrast, other groups such as adolescent females, elderly men, and postmenopausal women show much lower incidence rates for this type of headache, making them less characteristic of the population most affected by cluster headaches. Understanding these demographics helps in both recognizing and effectively managing cluster headaches in clinical practice.