Cluster headaches come along sometimes for no apparent reason, but for many people there are triggers to bring on cluster headaches. By avoiding these triggers you can drastically cut down the number of cluster headaches that you experience. Of course, you must be able to diagnose your own triggers first. This can be along and difficult process by you can eliminate some of the common cluster headache triggers by finding out what they are and modifying your lifestyle for a period of time to see if your cluster headaches still occur or whether they subside.

Some of the common triggers to bring on cluster headaches include:
- Smoking – It is known that people who smoke regularly are more prone to having cluster headaches.
- Chocolate – particularly when a person is in a ‘cycle’
- Alcohol – similar occurrence to chocolate
- Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate)
- Heat – such as when overeating after exercise or spending prolonged periods in the sun
- Lack of sleep
- Diet – although it is not yet fully understood which particular foods trigger cluster headaches
- Exposure to petroleum solvents, perfume and other hydrocarbons

It is a controversial topic whether or not food and diet can bring upon cluster headaches as a trigger. Without a doubt, it can not be ruled out. Certainly chocolate is known to be a common cause so there is reason to believe that other foods, particularly processed foods with unnatural additives and chemicals, could very well be a trigger for cluster headaches.

Cluster headaches are exhibited as being severely painful, intense and piercing as well as often throbbing. The pain is usually behind the eye and the most occurrences are seen in men who are regular smokers.

These are just some of the more well known triggers to bring on cluster headaches. Your trigger may be one or more of these, or it could be something totally different. Unfortunately there is no one cluster headache trigger which can make diagnosis difficult. By undertaking trials and lifestyle changes you will be able to eliminate certain common triggers and eventually narrow down your own personal cluster headache triggers.