Mapping brain structures related to migraine disorders

Brainstem Mapping of Nociceptive and Non-nociceptive Trigeminal Input and Its Functional Connectivty

Not applicable Interventional Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · NCT06535880

This study is testing how the brain reacts to stimulation of the trigeminal nerve in people with migraines to better understand the brain structures involved in their pain.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hamburg)
Trial IDNCT06535880 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate the brain's response to trigeminal nerve stimulation by using BOLD-fMRI imaging. It will scan the entire brain, brainstem, and upper spinal cord during both nociceptive and non-nociceptive electrical stimulation of the trigeminal nerve branches. The research builds on previous findings regarding the clustering of trigeminal nerve branches and seeks to explore higher cortical structures and subnuclei of the spinal trigeminal nucleus that were not previously examined. The study will involve preprocessing and processing of MR data based on established methodologies from prior publications.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals who are suitable for MRI and do not have any headache disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with existing headache diseases, psychological disorders, or those who are pregnant will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the understanding of migraine mechanisms and lead to improved treatment strategies for patients suffering from migraine disorders.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results in mapping brain structures related to trigeminal nerve stimulation, indicating that this approach has potential for further exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* healthy
* suitable fo MRI

Exclusion Criteria:

* headache disease
* psychological disorder
* pregnancy
* all exclusion criteria necessary for imaging in a 3 T MRI scanner

Where this trial is running

Hamburg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Migraine Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.