This study aims to improve the management migraine by providing a more profound understanding of the interactions of pain disinhibition on the brain stem level and calcitonin gene-related peptide as a main mediator in the generation of migraine headaches. For this purpose, this observational study investigates established neurophysiological and blood biomarkers parameters in association with the clinical phenotype.
The study's focus is the investigation of mechanisms that are directly related to the pain generation in migraine. In this context, the primary endpoint is an enhancement of trigeminal stimulation evoked calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). The stimulation is normalized using an established protocol to elicit the nociceptive blink reflex, which is a brain stem reflex to study the trigemino-spinal system. We expect CGRP levels to rise more in patients affected by migraine as compared to controls, based on the observation that painful stimulation elicits migraine attacks. Furthermore, baseline CGRP levels and their association with markers of brainstem excitability are probed.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
20
Noxious trigeminal electrical stimulation at different interstimulus intervals using 1.5x the pain threshold in order to provoke a release of trigeminal CGRP
University Medicine Greifswald
Greifswald, Germany
RECRUITINGPlasma levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
Plasma levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide from samples taken from the cubital vein following nociceptive trigeminal stimulation
Time frame: cross-sectional, once after stimulation
Lacrimal fluid levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
Lacrimal fluid levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide from samples taken from the outer angle of the eye following nociceptive trigeminal stimulation
Time frame: cross-sectional, once after stimulation
Habituation of the nociceptive blink reflex in correlation with plasma levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
Explore the correlation of the amplitude of the R2 component of the nociceptive blink reflex with baseline plasma levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
Time frame: cross-sectional, once before stimulation
Habituation of the nociceptive blink reflex in correlation with lacrimal fluid levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
Explore the correlation of the amplitude of the R2 component of the nociceptive blink reflex with baseline lacrimal fluid levels of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide
Time frame: cross-sectional, once before stimulation
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.