Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

Which is a characteristic feature of cluster headaches?

1. A) Often occur with visual disturbances

2. B) Pain is typically unilateral and may be accompanied by nasal symptoms

3. C) Last longer than 24 hours

4. D) More common in males over 50

The correct answer is: B) Pain is typically unilateral and may be accompanied by nasal symptoms

Cluster headaches are distinguished by several specific characteristics, one of which is that the pain is typically unilateral and often accompanied by nasal symptoms. This unilateral nature of the headache means that the pain is usually felt on one side of the head, often around the eye or temple area. Patients may also experience autonomic symptoms on the same side as the headache, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, or lacrimation (tearing), which further helps to identify this type of headache. The other options describe features that are not characteristic of cluster headaches. For instance, while some headaches can be associated with visual disturbances, this is more typical of migraines rather than cluster headaches. The duration of cluster headaches is generally much shorter, typically lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to three hours, so they do not last longer than 24 hours. Lastly, cluster headaches are known to occur more frequently in males, but they are most commonly diagnosed in individuals aged 20 to 40, not specifically over 50. Therefore, the key defining feature of cluster headaches involves the unilateral pain and its association with nasal symptoms, making this the correct choice.