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Review
. 2024 May;28(5):427-438.
doi: 10.1007/s11916-024-01229-3. Epub 2024 Mar 5.

The Prevalence and Clinical Phenotypes of Cluster Headache in Relation with Latitude

Yi-Chia Liaw  1   2 , Shih-Pin Chen  1   3   4   2   5 , Shuu-Jiun Wang  6   7
Affiliations
Review

The Prevalence and Clinical Phenotypes of Cluster Headache in Relation with Latitude

Yi-Chia Liaw et al. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2024 May.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Previous studies have indicated a possible link between the prevalence of cluster headache (CH) and sunlight exposure. However, this theory has yet to be tested systemically. In this article, we aim to examine how latitude affects the prevalence and phenotypes of CH.

Recent findings: To our knowledge, there is by far no article describing the effect of latitude on disease phenotype; thus, we performed a literature review. We noted positive effects of latitude on 1-year prevalence, the proportion of chronic CH, and the proportion of miosis and/or ptosis. Latitude may affect the phenotypic presentations of cluster headache, probably partially mediated via temperature and sunlight variations. Still, other factors, such as environmental exposure to smoking and the genetic difference between the Eastern and Western populations, may participate in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of CH.

Keywords: 1-year prevalence; Cluster headache; Cranial autonomic symptoms; Latitude; Lifetime prevalence.

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Conflict of interest statement

Both S.J. Wang and S.P. Chen own a position on editorial board at Current Pain and Headache Reports. YC Liaw declare no potential conflicts of interest. SJ Wang reports grants and personal fees from Novartis Taiwan, personal fees from Daiichi-Sankyo, grants and personal fees from Eli-Lilly, personal fees from AbbVie/Allergan, personal fees from Pfizer Taiwan, and personal fees from Biogen Taiwan, outside the submitted work.

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