Comparing auricular acupuncture to standard treatment for migraine headaches
A Randomized Trial Comparing Auricular Acupuncture and Intravenous Migraine Medications in the Treatment of Status Migrainosus in the Pediatric Emergency Department
This study tests whether auricular acupuncture can help kids with migraine headaches feel better compared to standard migraine treatments they usually get in the emergency room.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 8 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Louisville Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Louisville, Kentucky and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT02681211 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture compared to standard treatment for migraine headaches in pediatric patients visiting the emergency department. Eligible participants will be diagnosed with migraine headaches based on established criteria and will be randomly assigned to receive either auricular acupuncture or standard intravenous migraine medications. The study aims to recruit 80 subjects, with 40 in each treatment group, to assess the outcomes of both interventions.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pediatric patients diagnosed with migraine headaches who have not received migraine medications prior to evaluation.
Not a fit: Patients with allergies to the medications used in the standard treatment or those with underlying neurological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for pediatric patients suffering from migraine headaches.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in treating migraines, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial, though this specific comparison is less commonly tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Confirmation of the diagnosis of migraine headache Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who received ED migraine medications (including ibuprofen or other NSAIDS) prior to study evaluation. * Allergy to any of the medications used in our migraine regimen protocol. * Patients exhibiting focal clinical neurological exam findings that the investigator deems makes the patient not a good candidate for this study. * Patients with underlying abnormal brain pathology (e.g. mass or bleed) as the potential cause of the migraine
Where this trial is running
Louisville, Kentucky and 1 other locations
- Norton Children's Hospital — Louisville, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
- Norton Children's Medical Center — Louisville, Kentucky, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Danielle Graff, MD
- Email: dmgraf02@louisville.edu
- Phone: 502-629-7212
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.