Migraine is Associated With Altered Mechanical Pain Sensitivity. This Study Investigates Mechanical Pain Sensitivity, Headache Burden, and Quality of Life in Episodic and Chronic Migraine, Comparing Pressure Algometry and Algopeg® and Assessing Mechanosensitivity of Peripheral Nerves.
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In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: pressure pain algometry.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Migraine. Basic parameters: 18 years — 65 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Austria
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Mechanical Pain Sensitivity, Headache Burden, and Quality of Life in Episodic and Chronic Migraine - A Cross-Sectional Study
Overview
Migraine is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders and is associated with a substantial individual and societal burden. In chronic migraine, central and peripheral sensitization mechanisms are considered key pathophysiological factors and may manifest, among other features, as altered mechanical pain sensitivity. Quantitative assessment of mechanical pain sensitivity using pressure algometry is an established method; however, it is partly dependent on examiner technique and measurement protocols. The Algopeg® represents a standardized instrument for assessing mechanical pain sensitivity and may serve as a practical complement or alternative to classical pressure algometry. To date, evidence regarding the use of the Algopeg® in migraine populations remains limited. In addition to increased mechanosensitivity in trigeminal and extra-trigeminal regions, peripheral nerve structures, such as branches of the greater occipital nerve and the supraorbital nerve, may show sensitivity to mechanical stimuli during neurodynamic testing or palpation. This may have clinical relevance, as these regions are often targeted in symptomatic and prophylactic treatments. The aim of this study is to systematically investigate mechanical pain sensitivity, headache-related outcomes, and quality of life in patients with episodic and chronic migraine. Furthermore, the study aims to compare pressure algometry and Algopeg® measurements and to explore the clinical relevance of mechanosensitivity in specific peripheral nerve regions using a standardized assessment protocol.
Interventions
- Diagnostic test pressure pain algometry
Pressure pain algometry will be compared with an alternative tool to evaluate a potentially faster and more cost-effective method for assessing mechanical hypersensitivity in migraine. Furthermore, neurodynamic tests targeting mechanosensitivity of neural soft tissues will be examined with regard to their validity in primary headache disorders.
Primary outcome measures
- Pressure Pain Algometry and neurodynamic testing for mechanical hypersensitivity [Time frame: Regarding the observational character of the study the participants are screened in one session expecting a total time frame of 15 minutes on day 1.]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
- Female and male sex
- Age 18-65 years
- Diagnosis of episodic or chronic migraine according to ICHD-3 criteria (beta version)
- Stable medication regimen (if applicable) for at least 4 weeks prior to inclusion
- Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Other primary or secondary headache disorders
- Severe neurological, psychiatric, or systemic diseases
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Participation in another (interventional) study within the last 3 months
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: Yes
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
Study locations
Austria · 1 center
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, neurologische Intensivmedizin und Neurorehabilitation — Salzburg
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07559565 · 1063/2026 Migraine_MechSens