What describes the pain associated with a cluster headache?

• A. Unilateral and moderate
• B. Typically occipital
• C. Pariorbital and trigeminal autonomic
• D. Bilateral and mild

Answer: (C)

The pain associated with a cluster headache is characterized as parorbital and trigeminal autonomic. Cluster headaches are known for their intensely painful and debilitating nature, often described as a burning or piercing sensation, primarily centered around one eye or temple. This pain typically occurs on one side of the head, making it unilateral. The trigeminal autonomic features include symptoms such as tearing, nasal congestion, or ptosis (drooping of the eyelid) that accompany the headache, which helps distinguish it from other types of headaches. The parorbital location refers to the pain that affects the region around the eye, which is a hallmark of cluster headache presentations.

In contrast, other answers lack key characteristics of cluster headaches: unilateral and moderate pain does not encapsulate the intensity experienced; typically occipital suggests a different headache type, more associated with tension-type headaches or migraines; and bilateral and mild pain does not reflect the severe and unilateral nature of cluster headaches.