This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of cannabis for the treatment of chronic migraine headaches. Study subjects will be randomized to one of three groups: lower dose CBD, higher dose CBD or placebo.
Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks of moderate to severe headache, often accompanied by sensory sensitivity and nausea. Migraine can be very disabling and often interferes with social and occupational functioning. Given the high prevalence of migraine and the significant burden it places on the individual and society, it is an important condition to study and manage optimally. This is especially true because current migraine treatments often result in only marginal improvement and are frequently associated with intolerable side effects. For this reason, there is a need for new migraine treatments. The endocannabinoid system is an important potential treatment target as it is involved in pain processing and overlaps with some mechanisms of migraine pathophysiology. Cannabis was legalized in Canada on October 17th, 2018. As a result, the consumption of cannabis products for migraine treatment may increase. However, at this time there is limited evidence for the safety and efficacy of cannabis for the treatment of migraine. As a result, there is a need for further study and research in this area. Thus, we propose a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to study cannabis (specifically cannabidiol) as a preventative therapy for patients with chronic migraine.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
120
CBD oil - purified to \<1% THC in soft-gel capsules
CBD oil - purified to \<1% THC in soft-gel capsules
Soft-gel capsules containing placebo
The mean change in the number of headache days between the 4-week baseline period compared to the 4-week period just preceding the 3 month follow-up visit.
Time frame: Baseline and weeks 9-12
The mean change in the number of headache days between baseline compared to the 4-week period just preceding the 6 month follow-up visit.
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0 and weeks 21-24
The percentage of patients who have at least a 50% reduction in their headache frequency between baseline compared to weeks 9-12 (the 50% responder rate).
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0 and weeks 9-12
The change in the mean headache intensity between baseline compared to weeks 9-12, and weeks 21-24.
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0, weeks 9-12 and weeks 21-24
The mean change in the number of days with acute pain medication use between baseline compared to weeks 9-12, and 21-24.
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0, weeks 9-12 and weeks 21-24
Change in Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) Test score between baseline compared to weeks 9-12, and 21-24.
The MIDAS test assesses the impact of migraines on daily life. The score ranges between 0 and 21+ with a lower score indicating little or no disability and a higher score indicating severe disability.
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0, weeks 9-12 and weeks 21-24
Change in Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) score between baseline compared to weeks 9-12, and 21-24.
The HIT-6 test score ranges between 36-78 with a higher score being associated with greater impact of headache on an individual's life.
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0, weeks 9-12 and weeks 21-24
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Change in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) score between baseline compared to weeks 9-12, and 21-24.
The GAD-7 patient questionnaire is used as a screening tool for generalized anxiety disorder with scores ranging between 0-21. A higher score is associated with a probable diagnosis of severe anxiety.
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0, weeks 9-12 and weeks 21-24
Change in Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) score between baseline compared to weeks 9-12, and 21-24.
The PHQ-9 questionnaire is a self-administered screening tool for depression. The questionnaire score can range between 0-27 with higher scores indicating severe depression.
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0, weeks 9-12 and weeks 21-24
Change in Migraine Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MSQ) score between baseline compared to weeks 9-12, and 21-24.
The MSQ assesses the impact (restrictive, preventative and emotional) of migraine on an individual's quality of life.
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0, weeks 9-12 and weeks 21-24
Change in the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score between baseline compared to weeks 9-12, and 21-24.
The PSQI is a tool used to measure the quality of an individual's sleep. The PSQI is self-administered with a higher score indicating overall poor sleep.
Time frame: Weeks -4 to 0, weeks 9-12 and weeks 21-24