2023-09-19 13:29:52
Title: Pioneering Research Aims to Predict Migraine Attacks with Home Monitoring
Subtitle: Groundbreaking study supported by Brain Foundation offers hope for migraine sufferers
In an unprecedented research endeavor, patients suffering from migraines are being monitored in their own homes, assisting scientists in gaining a deeper understanding of the causes behind these debilitating attacks. Led by Prof. Dr. Gisela Terwindt, the study aims to shed light on the complex triggers of migraines, with the hope of predicting and preventing attacks.
Migraine attacks are known to be influenced by personal factors such as stress, fatigue, and menstruation. However, the exact causes behind these episodes largely remain a mystery. Prof. Dr. Gisela Terwindt, while discussing the study on the LUMC website, emphasized the importance of monitoring individuals who frequently suffer from migraines in their natural environments. Special ‘caps’ are being utilized to determine brain sensitivity, providing researchers with an accurate understanding of individual triggers and how the brain’s sensitivity fluctuates before an attack occurs.
This innovative approach to home monitoring is not limited to migraines alone. It is increasingly being utilized in chronic conditions like COPD, heart failure, and diabetes. The objective is to swiftly and efficiently detect abnormalities before they become clinically noticeable, thereby reducing symptoms and preventing hospital admissions. For example, research at Erasmus MC is exploring the use of sensors in pulmonary arteries to minimize hospital visits for patients with chronic heart failure. Similarly, at LUMC, a compact breath analysis device is being developed to predict impending lung attacks in COPD patients.
The latest development in research involves a smart home monitoring technology designed specifically for migraine patients. This technology offers patients the opportunity to monitor their health at home and take preemptive action. Apart from preventing attacks, it enables sufferers to better comprehend their personal triggers and recognize early warning signs. Currently, there are no reliable methods to measure the brain’s sensitivity to an impending migraine attack, making this research crucial in providing essential information about trigger combinations and brain sensitivity during an attack.
To map these personal triggers, an innovative E-headache diary is being utilized, collecting detailed data on factors that initiate migraine attacks. In addition, patients can measure their brain activity at home using specialized ‘caps’ that are easy to wear, allowing researchers to analyze changes in brain sensitivity leading up to a migraine attack.
Scientific leaders of the project, Prof. Dr. Arn van den Maagdenberg and Dr. Mark van de Ruit, highlight the importance of technological advancements in optimizing the measurements and data processing methods. Collaboration with colleagues from TU Delft and the company TMSi ensures the project benefits from the latest technology.
The Brain Foundation has shown its support for the groundbreaking project by providing an investment of 378,000 euros. Remco van Veen, Knowledge and Innovation Manager at the Brain Foundation, highlights the potential of the research, expressing hope that it will lead to a method and insight into predicting migraine attacks. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals suffering from migraines, giving them more control over their attacks and enabling them to take timely measures on days when the brain is more sensitive.
This pioneering research offers a glimmer of hope to the millions of individuals worldwide who battle migraines. By unlocking the mysteries behind these debilitating attacks, scientists are taking a significant step towards improving the lives of migraine sufferers and potentially revolutionizing the treatment and prevention of migraines in the future.]
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