Clinical Research Directory

Yogabased Movements for Primary Headaches (Migraine and/or Cluster Headache) - YOURHEAD - a Pilot Study

Migraine and/or Cluster Headache: Study Overview \*\*Background:\*\* Migraine and cluster headache are two primary headache disorders that significantly impact quality of life and functionality in those affected. According to the WHO's recurring burden of disease reports, migraine is among the neurological conditions responsible for the highest number of years lost due to illness. The headaches associated with migraine and cluster headache range from moderate to severe and cause great suffering. Available treatments do not work for everyone and are often associated with adverse side effects. Physical activity has been shown in several studies to have a positive effect on headache. Given the high prevalence of mental health issues, stress, and sleep problems within this patient group, relaxation and low-intensity exercise such as yoga-based movements (YB) could potentially help individuals improve sleep and well-being, while also providing some preventive effect on headaches. \*\*Hypothesis:\*\* Individuals with severe migraine or cluster headache have a strong need for new treatment options. Alternative therapies such as yoga-based exercises, when combined with standard medical treatment as per clinical guidelines, may positively impact: 1. Headache symptoms 2. Sleep quality 3. Overall life quality \*\*Purpose and Goals:\*\* This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibiiity of a web-based yoga or live face to face (FTF) intervention in individuals suffering from severe primary headaches-mainly chronic migraine and/or cluster headache. The study will assess the effect of YB on health-related quality of life, with a focus on sleep quality and mental health as depression and anxiety. A secondary objective is to analyze changes in headache frequency, intensity, and duration associated with primary headache conditions. The pilot study will follow later on with a RCT study (will be registered later). The RCT study will have a comparison group to conventional treatment. \*\*Relevance for the Patient Group:\*\* The core objective of the project is to determine whether yoga-based exercises can serve as a complementary treatment to enhance quality of life and health in patients with severe primary headache. To ensure equal healthcare access, this intervention will be delivered in digital format and/or FTF to optimize availability and expand care for individuals with primary headache disorders. These efforts aim to improve life quality and well-being in a vulnerable patient population. Headache conditions often affect individuals in their most productive years, and many live with symptoms for decades. Both work and private life are frequently disrupted, resulting in sick leave and social isolation. Close relatives are also affected, as those suffering from headaches require more recovery time to cope with daily life. With this proposed project, we aim to use physical yoga, rooted in holistic traditional medicine, to help individuals with severe primary headache achieve better physical and mental health-particularly improved sleep quality, which in turn enhances overall life quality.

Yogabased Movements for Primary Headaches (Migraine and/or Cluster Headache) - YOURHEAD

Brief Summary: Migraine and/or Cluster Headache: Study Overview \*\*Background:\*\* Migraine and cluster headache are two primary headache disorders that significantly impact quality of life and functionality in those affected. According to the WHO's recurring burden of disease reports, migraine is among the neurological conditions responsible for the highest number of years lost due to illness. The headaches associated with migraine and cluster headache range from moderate to severe and cause great suffering. Available treatments do not work for everyone and are often associated with adverse side effects. Physical activity has been shown in several studies to have a positive effect on headache. Given the high prevalence of mental health issues, stress, and sleep problems within this patient group, relaxation and low-intensity exercise such as yoga-based movements (YB) could potentially help individuals improve sleep and well-being, while also providing some preventive effect on headaches. \*\*Hypothesis:\*\* Individuals with severe migraine or cluster headache have a strong need for new treatment options. Alternative therapies such as yoga-based exercises, when combined with standard medical treatment as per clinical guidelines, may positively impact: Headache symptoms, Sleep quality and Overall life quality * Purpose and Goals:\*\* This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effect of a web-based yoga (YB) or live face to face (FTF) intervention in individuals suffering of primary headaches-mainly chronic migraine and/or cluster headache. The study will assess the effect of YB on health-related quality of life, with a focus on sleep quality and mental health as depression and anxiety. A secondary objective is to analyze changes in headache frequency, intensity, and duration associated with primary headache conditions. The RCT will also measure objective sleep and biomarkers. We are now investigating a pilot study. * Relevance for the Patient Group:\*\* The core objective of the project is to determine whether yoga-based exercises can serve as a complementary treatment to enhance quality of life and health in patients with severe primary headache. To ensure equal healthcare access, this intervention will be delivered in digital format and/or FTF to optimize availability and expand care for individuals with primary headache disorders. These efforts aim to improve life quality and well-being in a vulnerable patient population. Headache conditions often affect individuals in their most productive years, and many live with symptoms for decades. Both work and private life are frequently disrupted, resulting in sick leave and social isolation. Close relatives are also affected, as those suffering from headaches require more recovery time to cope with daily life. With this proposed project, we aim to use physical yoga, rooted in holistic traditional medicine, to help individuals with severe primary headache achieve better physical and mental health-particularly improved sleep quality, which in turn enhances overall life quality.

The Impact of Acupuncture on Biomarkers of Brain Injury and Inflammatory Response in Migraine

Migraine is more than just a headache-it can involve changes in the brain and inflammation. Recent research suggests that acupuncture may help by calming pain signals and reducing inflammation in the body. Scientists are studying whether acupuncture can also lower certain markers in the blood that show brain stress or inflammation. While more research is needed, acupuncture is considered safe and may reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks for many people. Acupuncture has been used for over 40 years in our practice to manage acute and chronic pain, including migraines. When performed by trained physicians, it is safe and typically reduces headache frequency and intensity, as well as nausea and vomiting, lowering the need for pain medication. Investigators are exploring three different ways to help manage migraine headaches using gentle stimulation techniques. These include laser acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and traditional acupuncture. Investigators want to see which method works best for reducing migraine symptoms. Investigators will look at how participants feel after treatment and also check blood samples for signs of inflammation and certain substances linked to migraines, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and markers of brain stress. Investigators have a goal to find safe and effective options that can improve migraine care and help people feel better.

A Comparison of Biodegradable and Metal Occluders in Patients With PFO and Migraine

Migraine is one of the most common chronic neurological disorders, posing a significant global public health concern. Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is the most common congenital heart anomaly in adults. Mechanisms linking PFO to migraine include cortical spreading depression, vascular active substance theory, impaired cerebral autoregulation, and genetic susceptibility. Understanding these mechanisms holds promise for overcoming challenges in the prevention and treatment of migraines in PFO patients. At least 11 observational studies, comprising 1,632 subjects, described the efficacy of PFO closure in cryptogenic stroke. Of these, 34% had migraines, and percutaneous PFO closure reportedly reduced migraine days by 81% (with a reduction of over 50% in monthly migraine days). Prospective randomized controlled trials (PRIMA and PREMIUM trials) assessing the Amplatzer® PFO Occluder showed significant benefits in most secondary endpoints, with a pooled analysis indicating its safety and effectiveness compared to medical therapy.While traditional metal PFO closure studies suggest symptom relief, reports also mention potential new-onset or worsened migraines post-closure. Proposed mechanisms include platelet activation, microthrombus formation, nickel allergy, and septal deformation or stretching inducing the release of migraine-related vascular active substances. However, these theories are closely tied to the presence of permanent metal implants. Addressing these concerns, the MemoSorb® biodegradable PFO Occluder system, approved by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in September 2023, offers an innovative solution. Developed collaboratively by the National Biomedical Materials Engineering Technology Research Center, Professor Wang Yunbing\'s team, Professor Pan Xiangbin\'s team from Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, and HeartTech Medical, this groundbreaking technology represents a shift from metal to degradable materials. The occluder serves as a temporary bridge post-implantation, gradually degrading with endothelialization, facilitating comprehensive self-repair. This intervention concept theoretically avoids the lifelong complications associated with traditional metal occluders, effectively reducing postoperative symptoms like migraines and dizziness. To assess and compare the treatment outcomes, especially in relieving migraines, a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled study has been designed for patients with patent foramen ovale and migraine, comparing the novel biodegradable occluder with the metal occluder.

Assessment of Oral Caffeine Intake in Changing the Severity of Acute Migraine Attack Using VAS Score Among Patients Attending Headache and Neurology Outpatients Clinic of Ainshams University Hospitals

Caffeine extracted from green tea to abort acute attack of Migraine