Observational study on cluster headaches and trigeminal neuralgia

The Will Erwin Headache Research Center Study of Cluster Headache and Trigeminal Neuralgia

Observational The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston · NCT02910323

This study is trying to learn more about cluster headaches and trigeminal neuralgia by gathering information from patients to help match them for future treatments.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT02910323 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The Will Erwin Headache Research Center is creating a national registry for patients with Cluster Headache and Trigeminal Neuralgia. This observational study will categorize participants based on various characteristics such as type and severity of their condition, associated symptoms, and psychological factors. Detailed evaluations will include genomic studies, medical history, imaging reports, and physical exams. The goal is to better understand these conditions and facilitate patient matching for future interventional clinical trials.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias or trigeminal neuralgia as per the International Headache Classification.

Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than one year or those with conditions that hinder appropriate diagnosis will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of cluster headaches and trigeminal neuralgia.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in understanding trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias, but this specific observational approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia according to the International Headache Classification including episodic cluster headache, chronic cluster headache, episodic paroxysmal hemicrania, chronic paroxysmal hemicrania, episodic short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT), chronic SUNCT, episodic short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA), chronic SUNA, and hemicrania continua. OR Diagnosis of a trigeminal neuralgia according to the International Headache Classification, including classical trigeminal neuralgia and symptomatic trigeminal neuralgia.
* Able to provide HIPAA authorization to share prior medical records/imaging.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Life expectancy less than 1 year, co-existing disease or other characteristic that precludes appropriate diagnosis of a trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia or trigeminal neuralgia.
* Active drug or alcohol use or dependence that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with adherence to study requirements
* Inability or unwillingness of subject or legal guardian/representative to give informed consent.

Inclusion Criteria for Healthy Volunteers:

* Inclusion criteria is willingness to consent and be of age 18 and older

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Cluster HeadacheCluster Headaches and Other Trigeminal Autonomic CephalgiasParoxysmal HemicraniaSUNCTHemicrania ContinuaTrigeminal Neuralgia
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.