Transcriptomic and Biochemical Changes During a Migraine Attack

Transcriptomic and Biochemical Changes During Spontaneous Attacks of Migraine With Aura and Migraine Without Aura

Despite the fact that migraine is a common disorder, the pathogenesis is still not fully elucidated. Studying transcriptomic and biochemical changes during induced and spontaneous migraine-attacks will enhance our understanding and may point to new targets for drug development.

Migraine is a common neurological disorder affecting approx. 16 % of the European population. Despite the fact that migraine is a common disorder, the pathogenesis is still not sufficiently known.

Studying transcriptomic and biochemical changes during spontaneous migraine-attacks will greatly enhance our understanding of migraine mechanisms and may point to new targets for drug development.

Two blood samples (one for RNA analysis and one for biochemical analysis) are taken on minimum 15 patient with migraine with aura and 15 patients with migraine without aura when they experience a spontaneous migraine attack. A second sample is taken 2 hours after treatment with subcutaneous sumatriptan. Another two blood samples are taken when the patient has been migraine free for at least 5 days and had no other headache for at least 24 hours. A fourth set of blood samples are collected after a cold pressor test.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Migraine patients who meet IHS criteria for migraine with or without aura of both sexes,
• 18-70 years,
• 45-95 kg.

Exclusion Criteria:

• any other type of headache then migraine without aura (except episodic tension-type headache < 1 day per week),
• serious somatic or psychiatric disease,
• pregnancy,
• and intake of daily medication (except oral contraceptives).