Understanding Post-Traumatic Headache: Forward Translation of a Posttraumatic Headache Animal Model to Posttraumatic Headache in the Human

Overview

About this study

Headache is the most commonly reported symptom after trauma to the head. Although posttraumatic headache (PTH) shares some clinical characteristics with primary headache disorders, such as migraine, there are many unique features including head trauma and the exacerbation of headache with physical and cognitive stressors. The purpose of this study is to determine if subjects who have recently sustained a mild TBI and have PTH will have lower pain thresholds (i.e. hyperalgesia) and greater allodynia compared to healthy controls. The study will also determine if exposure to a bright light stressor will exacerbate hyperalgesia in subjects with mild TBI and PTH while healthy controls will not be affected.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion criteria:

  • Male or female adults between the ages of 16-65 years old
  • PTH subjects will meet ICHD-3b diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic headache
  • Chronic migraine subjects will meet ICHD-3b diagnostic criteria for chronic migraine
  • Healthy controls will not meet ICHD-3b diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic headache or migraine
  • Subjects will have no contraindication to quantitative sensory testing (QST) or exposure to a high intensity light. For example, no abrasions, open wounds, or active physical injuries on the forehead or ventral medial forearm; no neuropathy.

Exclusion criteria:

  • History of ophthalmologic disease
  • Use of pain medications 24 hours prior to research testing

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status

Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Amaal Starling, M.D.

Closed for enrollment

More information

Publications

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Additional contact information

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