Using light therapy to treat chronic cluster headaches

Proof-of-concept Study on the Efficacy of Light Therapy in the Prophylactic Treatment of Chronic Cluster Headache

NA · Assistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille · NCT06540651

This study is testing whether light therapy using a special device can help people with chronic cluster headaches feel better.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAssistance Publique Hopitaux De Marseille (other)
Locations2 sites (Marseille and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06540651 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the efficacy of light therapy in patients suffering from chronic cluster headaches, a condition that is often challenging to manage. The approach involves using a consumer electronics device, Luminettes®, to deliver light therapy aimed at re-adjusting the chronobiological rhythms associated with this type of headache. Participants will be monitored for the prophylactic effects of this treatment compared to a control group receiving non-therapeutic light emission. The study aims to provide insights into a novel treatment option for this debilitating condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of chronic cluster headache who are stable on their prophylactic treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to light therapy or those with certain ophthalmological conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could offer a new, non-invasive option for patients suffering from chronic cluster headaches.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown light therapy to be effective in treating other chronobiological conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female, of 18 years years old or more;
* Diagnosis of chronic cluster headache according to ICHD-3 criteria;
* Number of seizures during baseline equal to at least 24;
* Stability of prophylactic treatment for at least 1 month and commitment not to change it for the duration of the study;
* Patient affiliated to the French social security system.
* Patient who understands and speaks French correctly;
* Patient who has given free and informed written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to the use of light therapy: use of a photosensitizing treatment;
* Ophthalmological history: cataract, macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa;
* Patients who work at night;
* Other neurological, psychiatric or developmental pathologies considered incompatible with the study;
* Background treatment of cluster headache with melatonin;
* Persons protected by articles L1121-5, L1121-6 and L1121-8 of the French Public Health Code (pregnant or breast-feeding women, persons deprived of their liberty by judicial decision, socially vulnerable persons, adults incapable or unable to express their consent).

Where this trial is running

Marseille and 1 other locations

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cluster Headache

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.