Effect of Transcendental Meditation on Migraine Frequency and Functionality
Exploring the Effect of the Transcendental Meditation® Technique on Migraine Frequency and Functionality: a Single Arm Study
This study is testing if practicing Transcendental Meditation can help adults with migraines experience fewer headaches and feel better overall.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Maharishi International University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Washington, District of Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06695156 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Transcendental Meditation technique on the frequency and intensity of migraines in adults. It will involve 30 participants who will practice Transcendental Meditation while continuing their usual lifestyle and medication for three months. Participants will keep a daily migraine diary for 30 days prior to the study to assess their migraine status and will receive instruction in Transcendental Meditation along with bi-weekly group meetings and one-on-one sessions to monitor their progress.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 60 with a diagnosis of migraine with or without aura, experiencing 6-14 migraine days per month.
Not a fit: Patients over 60 years old, those currently practicing Transcendental Meditation, or individuals with major systemic illnesses may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-pharmacological approach to reducing migraine frequency and improving functionality for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using meditation for migraine management is gaining interest, this specific study's focus on Transcendental Meditation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Diagnosis of migraine with or without aura, based on ICHD3 criteria * 6-14 migraine days/month. * ≥ one-year history of migraines starting before the age of 50. * ≥ 18 years old or ≤ 60 Years old * Willing to attend follow-up sessions. * Willing to practice TM twice a day for 20 minutes. * Fluent in English. Willing to continue the same medication without any additional medicine In good general health, with no other diseases expected to interfere with the study. Exclusion criteria: * \> 60 years old or \< 18 Years old * Already practicing Transcendental Meditation. * Pre-diagnosed major systemic illness or unstable medical/psychiatric condition (eg, suicide risk) requiring immediate treatment or that could compromise protocol adherence * Medication overuse headache (MOH) * Current/planned pregnancy or breastfeeding * New prophylactic migraine medicine started within 4 weeks of the screening visit * Unwilling to maintain stable migraine medication dosages * Failure to complete baseline headache logs.
Where this trial is running
Washington, District of Columbia
- Georgetown Headache Center and DC area — Washington, District of Columbia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Asha Sharma, MS
- Email: asharma@miu.edu
- Phone: 5158092899
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.