Understanding migraine triggers and changes in adolescents

Migraine in Adolescents

This study is trying to find out what triggers migraines in kids aged 10-13 by looking at their brain activity, hormones, and other factors to see if we can better understand when and why they happen.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 250 (estimated)
• Ages: 10 Years to 13 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
• Trial ID: NCT05654012 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to identify the psychophysical and neural factors that predict migraine onset in adolescents aged 10-13. It involves MRI scans, sensory testing, blood draws, and surveys to assess hormonal, psychophysical, and neural changes associated with migraines. Participants will be categorized into groups based on their migraine status and family history, and will undergo evaluations to determine their eligibility for the study. The goal is to establish temporal relationships between various factors and migraine onset, as well as to predict migraine prognosis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 10-13, either diagnosed with migraines or without migraine symptoms but with a family history of migraines.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain syndromes, neurological disorders, or those on regular pain or psychiatric medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and management of migraines in adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in identifying migraine triggers and predictors, making this approach promising yet still requiring further exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria for healthy participants:

1. Age 10-13
2. Males or females (biological sex)
3. Not diagnosed with migraine or having migraine symptoms
4. With a first degree relative diagnosed with migraine (for the Fam-His group) or without a first or a second degree relative diagnosed with migraine (for the No-Fam-His group)

Inclusion criteria for participants with migraine:

1. Age 10-13
2. Males or females (biological sex)
3. Diagnosed with migraine or having migraine symptoms
4. Migraine duration \> 6 months
5. Without preventative treatment or with stable preventative treatment for migraine (no change in intervention in the last 6 months)

Exclusion Criteria for the healthy group:

* Participants will not be enrolled if any of the following criteria exist and based on the investigator discretion:

  1. Diagnosis of any chronic pain syndrome
  2. Diagnosis of a neurological, developmental, pubertal, or psychiatric disorder
  3. Taking pain or psychiatric medications regularly
  4. Having an MRI contraindication such as metal in the body or claustrophobia
  5. Not able to understand and communicate in English

     Exclusion Criteria for the migraine group
* Participants will not be enrolled if any of the following criteria exist and based on the investigator discretion:

  1. Diagnosis of any chronic pain syndrome other than migraine
  2. Diagnosis of a neurological, developmental, pubertal, or psychiatric disorder
  3. Having an MRI contraindication such as metal in the body or claustrophobia
  4. Not able to understand and communicate in English

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

• Washington University School of Medicine — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Hadas Nahman-Averbuch, PhD — Washington University School of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Alana McMichael, MA

Conditions Migraine