Heredity and genes
Genetics affects risk. In 2023 eight DNA regions linked to the disease were found.
Cluster headache sometimes runs in families, which pointed researchers to genes. The first large genetic studies came out in 2021.
In 2023 data from almost 4,800 patients in Europe and East Asia were pooled, and 8 DNA regions linked to the disease were found. Three are shared with migraine. This shows which body processes are involved and so where to look for new drugs.
Genes affect risk but do not decide everything. There is no genetic test for diagnosis; it is made from the symptoms.