Biology and mechanisms
Neural signaling, sensitization, inflammation, cortical activity, and pathways associated with migraine.
Our research archive
Questions that move migraine science forward.
Explore a historical record of supported projects spanning migraine biology, genetics, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and care. Each summary is presented as research context—not as individual medical guidance or proof that an approach is effective.
Research themes
A broad view of migraine
The archive reflects many kinds of inquiry, from laboratory models and genetic analysis to clinical studies and behavioral care. Findings should be interpreted in light of study design, population, limitations, and later evidence.
Genetics and biomarkers
Inherited variation, molecular profiles, and potential indicators that may support future research.
Treatment investigation
Drug, device, behavioral, and other interventions assessed in laboratory or clinical settings.
Children and adolescents
Diagnosis, prevention, acute treatment, disability, and family-centered care for younger people.
Sex and hormones
Research examining hormonal influences and biological differences associated with migraine.
Daily life and care
Access, adherence, sleep, stress, quality of life, and the wider effects of migraine.
Historical projects
Research supported over time
Project titles and outcomes are summarized from the supplied archive. “Underway” reflects the status recorded at the time and may not describe the project today. Cancelled projects are omitted from the detailed selection.
2019
Selective enhancement of endocannabinoid signaling
View the research team profile
The project investigated whether selectively changing endocannabinoid activity could offer a new direction for migraine treatment. Recorded as underway.
RNA sequencing of human trigeminal ganglia
The study aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets by examining gene activity at the level of individual cells. Recorded as underway.
Mitochondrial genes in familial migraine with aura
The project examined mitochondrial DNA and nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes in families affected by migraine with aura.
Stress, triptans, and latent sensitization
Researchers studied neural dynamics that may contribute to migraine and medication-overuse headache.
2018
Acute treatment examined in a controlled crossover trial
A randomized study compared an inhaled cannabinoid intervention with placebo for acute migraine. The archived listing did not provide final results.
Virtual assessment and treatment for chronic headache
The V-MATCH project considered whether a virtual method could support assessment and treatment of chronic headache.
From migraine aura loci to genes
View the research team profile
The project explored genetic regions associated with migraine aura to identify relevant genes.
2017
New daily persistent headache in children
The study examined endogenous pain modulation and central sensitization in children with new daily persistent headache.
Selective CaV2.1 inhibitors in familial hemiplegic migraine models
The project evaluated compounds affecting calcium channels in laboratory models and their potential therapeutic value.
Oral microbiome and inflammation in pediatric headache
Researchers investigated possible relationships between oral microbial patterns, inflammation, and headache in children.
Novel light metrics and migraine
The project explored how characteristics of light might be measured and studied in relation to migraine attacks.
2016
Status migrainosus in real-world practice
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The study sought characteristics that might distinguish people who responded to treatment from those who did not.
A modified botulinum molecule for chronic migraine
This preclinical project investigated a non-paralytic modified molecule as a possible therapeutic approach.
Genomics of migraine in a pediatric study
The project examined known genetic variants in children and adolescents with migraine. The archived summary described common variants but did not establish a diagnostic test.
2015
Screening compounds derived from traditional medicine
Researchers identified active substances in two preparations. One was tested in vitro, while technical limitations prevented testing of the other.
MicroRNA expression profiles in migraine
The project reported differences in selected microRNA profiles between study groups. Such findings require validation before clinical use.
Serotonergic activity examined with PET
The archived summary reported serotonin differences between migraine groups and controls, while leaving open questions about clinical application.
2014
Calcium-channel inhibitors and hemiplegic migraine mutations
Laboratory work identified candidate inhibitors and examined a channel-modulation mechanism as a possible research target.
Sequencing for hemiplegic migraine variants
Next-generation sequencing identified known and new variants, while many cases remained without a definitive genetic explanation.
Home-based melatonin study
A small feasibility study supported further investigation of melatonin for adolescent migraine prevention; larger studies were needed to assess effectiveness.
Metformin for episodic migraine prevention
The archived result did not find a meaningful difference in monthly headache days between metformin and placebo groups.
2013
Adherence to acute pediatric migraine guidelines
The study identified gaps between evidence-based guidance and treatments recorded for children, supporting greater clinician education.
Predicting preventive-treatment response
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A sensory-sensitivity questionnaire showed potential for predicting response to one preventive medicine and warranted further study.
BDNF signaling and central sensitization
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Animal research linked BDNF signaling in the brainstem with sensitization, suggesting a pathway for continued investigation.
Optogenetic methods for studying cortical spreading depression
The work used light-sensitive cellular techniques to initiate and track cortical spreading depression in a laboratory model.
2012
Stressors and the life course of migraine
The project evaluated migraine over time and reported that a self-administered questionnaire performed comparably to a neurologist interview for identifying migraine in the study setting.
Glial inhibition in chronic migraine
The archived trial summary found no treatment benefit for ibudilast and recorded more worsening among participants receiving the study drug.
Sex, stress, and migraine susceptibility
View the research team profile
Laboratory findings suggested that stress-related nervous-system changes varied by sex and genetic susceptibility.
2011
Casein kinase pathways and migraine
Animal research examined sex-related susceptibility and suggested that estrogen signaling may influence migraine mechanisms.
Alternating-current stimulation for acute migraine
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The archived findings did not show broad benefit from visual-cortex stimulation for stopping acute attacks.
Whole-exome sequencing in a family affected by migraine
The project identified candidate variants associated with migraine in one family, providing leads for further investigation rather than general diagnostic conclusions.
2010
Trigeminocervical and thalamic function during cortical spreading depression
The work examined how cortical spreading depression changes the activity of selected neurons and may relate to head pain.
Insomnia treatment for chronic migraine
A pilot study reported improved sleep efficiency and fewer attacks after a brief behavioral sleep intervention; pilot findings require confirmation.
Endogenous opioid mechanisms in chronic migraine
Brain imaging examined internally produced opioid activity during pain, while questions about safe therapeutic modulation remained unresolved.
2009
CGRP receptor blockade in a trigeminal-pain model
A mouse model was used to study trigeminal pain and the effect of blocking CGRP receptors, supporting continued therapeutic research.
Glutamate receptor genes in migraine
The project reported glutamate-receptor gene variants associated with migraine in the studied population.
Family-based behavioral therapy
Behavioral and relaxation approaches were associated with improved symptoms and perceived anxiety control in children, with stronger results for the cognitive-behavioral group.
2008
A laboratory model of menstrual migraine
Animal research explored biological differences associated with migraine and suggested that treatment questions may differ by sex.
Functional brain circuits in central sensitization
The project evaluated functional MRI as a method for observing brain-network changes in a rodent headache model.
Building a migraine DNA library
The work established a large collection of genetic samples from people with and without migraine to enable later research.
2007
Migraine from middle age into later life
A population-based analysis examined associations between migraine with aura in midlife and brain findings later in life.
A behavioral model of medication-overuse headache
Animal research examined persistent nervous-system changes after repeated opioid exposure and the possible role of CGRP.
Developing a migraine genetics population resource
The project demonstrated the feasibility of collecting usable saliva-based DNA samples by mail for large-scale genetics research.
Reading the archive: Early laboratory or pilot findings do not establish that an intervention is safe or effective. Some projects produced inconclusive or negative results, which can still help refine research questions and avoid unproductive directions.
How to read research
From project idea to useful evidence
Scientific progress is cumulative. A promising mechanism must pass through several stages before it can inform routine care.
Ask a focused question
Researchers define a mechanism, population, intervention, or care problem to investigate.
Choose a suitable method
Laboratory models, observational studies, and controlled trials answer different questions.
Report limits
Sample size, design, comparison groups, and uncertainty affect what can be concluded.
Replicate and apply
Independent evidence and safety review are needed before findings can influence care.
Frequently asked questions
Using this research archive
Practical guidance for interpreting historical project summaries and following related material.
Does inclusion mean that a treatment is recommended?
No. Inclusion documents a research project. It does not endorse an intervention or establish safety, effectiveness, or suitability for any individual.
Why are some studies based on animals or cells?
Preclinical models help researchers study mechanisms and identify questions for later work. Results from these models may not translate directly to people.
What does “underway” mean in an older entry?
It is the status recorded in the historical source at that time. It should not be read as the project’s current status.
Why are negative or inconclusive findings useful?
They can challenge assumptions, improve later study design, and indicate that a proposed approach needs revision or should not be pursued.
How should I evaluate a clinical study?
Consider its design, participant group, size, comparison treatment, outcome measures, duration, limitations, and whether independent studies support the findings.
Where can applicants find research program information?
Review the application information for available program and submission guidance.
Can Migraine Research Fund interpret results for my care?
No. The site provides general research context. A qualified clinician should advise on diagnosis, treatment, and individual risks.
Questions about the archive?
Contact Migraine Research Fund for general website and research-resource enquiries.