Understanding how migraine affects sensitivity to light and touch
Linking trigeminal and visual sensitivity in migraine
This study is looking at how sensitivity to light and touch during migraines might be connected, and it's for people who get migraines and those who don’t, to help us understand why these symptoms happen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10578898 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between trigeminal nerve sensitivity and visual sensitivity in individuals with migraines. It aims to explore how hypersensitivity to light and touch during migraine attacks may be linked through specific neural pathways. By using a modified device to measure corneal blink reflex responses to air-puff stimuli, the study will compare responses between migraine sufferers and headache-free individuals. The goal is to develop a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of migraine-related sensory symptoms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who experience migraines, particularly those with sensitivity to light and touch.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience migraines or related sensory sensitivities are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for migraine sufferers by identifying new targets for intervention.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding sensory processing in migraines, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aguirre, Geoffrey Karl — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Aguirre, Geoffrey Karl
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 below.