Cluster headache attacks do not occur randomly throughout the day, but have a clear circadian rhythmicity. The aim of this study is to investigate circadian changes of the brain, the autonomic nervous system and pain processing systems.
Cluster headache attacks do not occur randomly throughout the day, but have a clear circadian rhythmicity. The aim of this study is to investigate circadian changes in the functional connectivity, spectroscopy, iron deposition and perfusion of the brain. In addition, we plan to investigate circadian changes in the pain threshold of the brain using quantitative sensory testing (QST). Finally, we will investigate changes in the autonomic nervous system measuring the pupillary response.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
Patient will be scanned in the MRI twice, once at noon (+/- 1 hour), once at 1 a.m. (+/- 1 hour). The investigators will search for any changes in functional connectivity, particular regarding the connection between the hypothalamus and pain-processing networks.
University hospital Zurich
Zurich, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland
RECRUITINGCircadian rhythmicity of the functional connectivity of the brain
Changes from baseline in functional connectivity of the brain using whole-brain fMRI
Time frame: Measurements will be made at noon and at 1 a.m. (+/- 2 hours); we will compare these measurements to identify changes.
Circadian rhythmicity of the pain threshold
Changes from baseline of the pain threshold in the face using quantitative sensory testing (QST)
Time frame: Measurements will be made at noon and at 1 a.m. (+/- 2 hours); we will compare these measurements to identify changes.
Circadian changes in the perfusion of the brain.
Changes from baseline in perfusion of the brain using Arterial Spin Labeled MRI Perfusion Imaging and vascular space occupancy sequences
Time frame: Measurements will be made at noon and at 1 a.m. (+/- 2 hours); we will compare these measurements to identify changes.
Circadian rhythmicity of the autonomic system
Changes from baseline in the pupillary response (measured using pupillometry)
Time frame: Measurements will be made at noon and at 1 a.m. (+/- 2 hours); we will compare these measurements to identify changes.
Circadian rhythmicity of the spectroscopy of the hypothalamus
Changes from baseline in the spectroscopy of the hypothalamus
Time frame: Measurements will be made at noon and at 1 a.m. (+/- 2 hours); we will compare these measurements to identify changes.
Circadian rhythmicity of the spectroscopy of the hypothalamus
Changes from baseline in the iron concentration of the brain using quantitative susceptibility mapping
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Time frame: Measurements will be made at noon and at 1 a.m. (+/- 2 hours); we will compare these measurements to identify changes.