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Cluster Headaches and other Trigeminal Autonomic Cephalgias (TAC's)Cluster Headaches and other TAC's are thought to arise from unilateral (one-sided) dysfunction of the hypothalamus. The symptoms occur on the same side of the head as the hypothalamic problem. Although the precise mechanism by which this dysfunction results in pain is poorly understood. A number of the clinical features are related to the following hypothalamic functions:- 1) Biological clock - The hypothalamus regulates the body's biological clock known as circadian rhythms - The pain typically occurs at the same point in the 24 hour cycle every day over a period of weeks or months 2) Autonomic function - The sympathetic nervous system is involved in dilation of the pupil (mydriasis) and fully elevating the upper eyelid. When these functions fail (as they may in CH sufferers), the pupil may constrict and the eyelid may slightly droop (ptosis) . Together these features from part of Horner's syndrome - Additional unilateral (one-sided) autonomic features may occur, including a red eye, tearing (lacrimation), nasal stuffiness or drip (rhinorrhea). Search for something more specific to do with this
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