Understanding how brain circuits contribute to migraine pain
Official title: Brain Circuits of Migraine Pain
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10881751 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain pathways are involved in migraine pain to understand why some new medications work for some people but not for others, with the hope of finding better treatments for everyone who suffers from migraines.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $602,420 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129552-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10881751 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience chronic migraines and have not found relief with existing CGRP-targeting medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from migraines or have other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex brain circuits involved in migraine pain, focusing on the trigeminal pain pathways and related brain structures. It aims to explore how new medications targeting CGRP mechanisms work and why some patients do not respond to these treatments. By utilizing advanced techniques like neuroimaging and optogenetics, the study seeks to identify the specific brain regions activated during migraine attacks and their roles in pain perception. This could lead to a better understanding of migraine mechanisms and the development of more effective treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for migraine sufferers, particularly for those who do not respond to current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding migraine mechanisms, but this study aims to explore novel aspects of brain circuitry that have not been extensively studied.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Porreca, Frank — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Porreca, Frank
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
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.
-
Understanding migraine and eye pain: how light and nerves cause discomfort in migraine and dry eye
A research project is studying why eye pain and sensitivity to light happen in people with migraine and dry eye, and how surgery to correct vision may contribute to these symptoms.
-
Mi-Helper: a drug-free air-based device to relieve migraine pain
A new, drug-free device uses a gentle stream of dry air to calm migraine symptoms, aimed at people visiting emergency departments.
-
Molecular basis for S1PR1 blockers in migraine and TMD pain
A basic science project to explore how blocking S1PR1 could help people who have both migraine and temporomandibular disorders by studying pain pathways in animal models.
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.