Finding new targets to treat headaches after brain injuries
Official title: DISCOVERY OF NOVEL TARGETS FOR POST-TRAUMATIC HEADACHE
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10685784 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at the causes of post-traumatic headaches that many people get after a mild brain injury, and it's trying to find new ways to help treat these headaches with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $428,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS132565-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10685784 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced mild traumatic brain injuries and are suffering from persistent headaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of mild traumatic brain injury or who do not experience post-traumatic headaches may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on post-traumatic headache (PTH), a common and persistent issue following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) that affects millions of people. The team is investigating the underlying mechanisms of PTH by analyzing gene expression changes in specific neurons involved in headache sensation. Using advanced techniques like single cell RNA sequencing, they aim to identify key molecules that may contribute to the development of chronic headaches. The ultimate goal is to discover new drug targets that could lead to effective treatments with fewer side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for patients suffering from chronic headaches after brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in identifying molecular targets for headache treatment, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Yuqing — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cao, Yuqing
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.