Understanding how brain and protective membranes interact during migraine headaches
Official title: Cortical-Meningeal Interactions Underlying Migraine Headache
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-10745316 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain and its protective layers work together during migraine headaches to help find new ways to relieve the pain for people who suffer from them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2020 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $452,810 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS115972-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10745316 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who experience frequent migraines and have not found relief with existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from migraines or have other unrelated headache disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between the brain's cortex and the protective membranes surrounding it, specifically focusing on how these interactions contribute to migraine headaches. By examining the trigeminal sensory system and its activation during migraine attacks, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that trigger these debilitating headaches. The approach includes analyzing neuronal activity and astrocyte signaling in both animal models and human subjects to identify potential new treatment targets for migraine relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for migraine sufferers, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding migraine mechanisms, but this specific approach to studying cortical and meningeal interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levy, Dan — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Levy, Dan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Meningeal nerve signals and immune cells in migraine pain
This NIH grant explores how nerve signals in the brain’s meninges interact with immune cells to trigger migraine pain, with results aimed at improving treatments for people who experience migraines.
-
How brain surface cells may trigger migraine pain
Sees if overactive brain surface cells release chemicals that wake up pain nerves and cause migraine in adults.
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A new AI-based method aims to improve how doctors diagnose chronic headache and facial pain by using a large, long-term set of patient data.
-
Oxytocin as a potential migraine fighter for people with aura
A scientist-led study at a major hospital tests whether the brain chemical oxytocin can help stop or prevent migraine attacks that involve aura.
-
Meningeal pain and migraine brain hyperexcitability in people
A short study in adults with migraine to understand how pain signals from the brain coverings might make the visual cortex more excitable and trigger migraines.
-
Light exposure and sleep in teens with migraine
Teens with migraine and light sensitivity will wear sensors to track daily light and sleep, helping researchers understand how light exposure affects symptoms and nighttime rest.
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.