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Oxygen as a preventative treatment
Can oxygen prevent occurrence of a migraine attack? The Headache Group at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery in London is seeking volunteers for a project studying whether inhaled oxygen can prevent a migraine attack from being developed under conditions of increased energy demand. Neuro-imaging studies, drug trials and clinical expression are highly suggestive of abnormalities of energy metabolism in migraine sufferers.
The Study
In the current study, migraine attacks will be triggered using Nitroglycerine spray administered under the tongue. Apart from being useful in treating certain heart diseases, Nitroglycerine is a Nitric Oxide donor. Nitric Oxide is thought to increase the cells' demand for oxygen for cellular respiration (the metabolic system of human brain cells) and this may mimic what happens in daily life when migraine sufferers develop attacks under conditions of increased energy demand, such as with stress. The Headache Group has previous experience with triggering migraine attacks using Nitroglycerine and has published several papers on this subject. Naturally, the volunteers will receive appropriate treatment as soon as symptoms indicate that a migraine attack is developing.
If treatment with inhaled oxygen will prove to be successful in preventing migraine attacks from being induced by Nitroglycerine, the study will add weight to the theory that migraine implies an abnormality of the energy metabolism and it will shed light on understanding and managing migraine headache and many of the associated symptoms, which can be at least as disabling as the pain.
Volunteering
Taking part in this research includes a clinical review by one of the Research Registrars. If necessary, management recommendations will be made and if required follow up in the Clinic will be organised (in which case a referral from your GP or local neurologist will be needed). No referrals are required for participating in the study. Travel costs will be reimbursed for all the studies. Meals and soft drinks will be provided.
For more information regarding the study, please contact Dr Juana Marin on 07963 958319 or email jmarin@ion.ucl.ac.uk or write to the Institute of Neurology at the Headache Group, Queen Square, London. WC1N 3BG.