BANG-CH
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating changes in brain activations during cluster headache attack and treatment in nitroglycerin triggered cluster attack using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
IRAS ID
197942
Contact name
Diana Wei
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Cluster headache is known as the most severe and debilitating headache type with detrimental effects on quality of life. Cluster headache is a rare headache disorder and affects 1 in 1000 people. The headaches tend to affect one side of the head and can cause reddening and watering of the eye, a runny or blocked nostril, drooping/swollen eyelid and constriction of the pupil. The headaches occur in episodes or attacks, usually lasting 45 minutes to an hour and a half. The attacks are so severe, it can drive some patients to hit their head against the wall. Patients will typically have one attack every other day to six attacks a day. The attacks tend to occur around the same time everyday and tend to become severe around the same time of the year. The treatment for cluster headache is divided broadly into abortive and preventive treatment. This study will concentrate on the standard and established acute abortive treatment, high flow oxygen and Sumatriptan injections.
In this study, we will use a brain imaging technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to look at the areas of brain activation during different stages of a cluster headache attack by assessment of blood flow to different areas of the brain. These changes will be observed during at baseline, headache phase and headache free after standard treatment of high flow oxygen or Sumatriptan.Once participants consent and enrol to the study they will undergo a series of MRI brain scans and clinical assessments for headache severity to try to correlate clinical observations with MRI findings.
This study will help us understand the mechanisms behind the various stages of cluster headache attacks and treatment. By understanding the mechanisms involved, this will help guide us to find more targeted treatment options for the condition.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/0693
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion