Improvement of Nocturnal Cluster Headache after Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy in a Patient with Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Abstract

The relationship between cluster headache (CH) and sleep has been demonstrated. A 60-year-old man who suffered from refractory CH that occurred exclusively at night, complained of sleep fragmentation. Polysomnography revealed severe obstructive apnea with deep desaturation and sleep fragmentation every 2 hours due to cyclic pain. Three months of successful continuous positive airway therapy dramatically improved both headache intensity and frequency, as well as sleep apnea. This case suggests the significance of comorbid OSA when managing patients with CH or primary headaches with nocturnal tendencies.