Understanding how different brain areas contribute to headaches.
Official title: Central vs. Peripheral Mechanisms of Headache: Cortex, Thalamus, Dorsal Horn
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11066540 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain parts of the brain, especially the thalamus, help cause migraines, and by understanding this better, we hope to find new ways to help people who suffer from these headaches.
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 | April 5, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $377,354 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133226-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11066540 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience migraines and are seeking better understanding and management of their condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not suffer from migraines or related headache disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind migraines, focusing on how specific brain areas, particularly the thalamus and the sensory pathways in the cranial meninges, contribute to headache generation. By examining the activation of neurons in these areas during migraine episodes, the study aims to clarify the relationship between cortical events and headache perception. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the neural pathways involved in their headaches, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for migraine sufferers by identifying new targets for therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding headache mechanisms, but this specific approach focusing on the thalamus and its connectivity is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Strassman, Andrew Mark — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Strassman, Andrew Mark
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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.