Investigating how sleep disruption after mild traumatic brain injury affects chronic headaches.

Role of Sleep Disruption after mTBI as a Driver of Chronic Post-traumatic Headache

NIH-funded research Seattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res · NIH-10872224

This study is looking at how sleep problems might be linked to chronic headaches that some people get after a mild brain injury, and it will test if a medication called prazosin can help improve sleep and reduce headache pain.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSeattle Inst for Biomedical/clinical Res NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-10872224 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research explores the connection between sleep disruption and chronic post-traumatic headaches that often occur after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). It hypothesizes that sleep problems may contribute to the development of these headaches by impairing the glymphatic system, which is crucial for brain health and function. The study will involve comparing the effects of different types of mTBI on glymphatic function and testing whether a specific medication, prazosin, can improve both glymphatic function and headache symptoms. Patients may be monitored for changes in their sleep patterns and headache severity throughout the study.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a mild traumatic brain injury and are suffering from chronic headaches and sleep disturbances.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a mild traumatic brain injury or do not suffer from headaches may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for chronic headaches following mild traumatic brain injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between sleep and headache disorders, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.