Immune-Pineal Axis Function in Chronic Tension-Type Headache: Noradrenergic Modulation and the Effect of Electroacupuncture
Overview
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Intervention
- Not specified
- Conditions
- Chronic Tension-Type Headache
- Sponsor
- Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre
- Enrollment
- 34
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 12 years ago
Overview
Brief Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether electroacupuncture is effective in the treatment of chronic tension-type headache, measured by Headache Impact Test, Visual Analogue Scale and biomarkers.
Detailed Description
Tension-type headache can be defined as a constant sensation of pressure or heaviness, and is a highly-prevalent condition in the health services. The objective of the present study is to investigate the function of the immuno-pineal axis in chronic tension headache, focussed on the neuro-immune regulatory dysfunction. In addition, the effect of neuro-stimulation (electroacupuncture) on the function of this axis will also be studied. This is a clinical Trial study, randomised, in parallel, cross-over with a blinded assessor, and with a sham placebo control. The study will be carried out in the Clinical Research Outpatient Clinic of the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), with women aged between 18 and 60 years old. The participants will respond to questionnaires at the beginning and end of each therapeutic intervention, with 24-hour urine, blood and saliva collection. The therapeutic intervention will include: 10 electroacupuncture sessions and 10 sham placebo sessions. The measurements taken will be: quality of life, depression, impact of headache on daily life, sleep quality, chronotropic types, immuno-inflammatory mediators, levels of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, and salivary cortisol. Through these interventions it is hoped that patients will present an improvement in their pain presentation, quality of life and sleep, as well as central autonomic regulation. Evidence for these hypotheses will support a minimally-invasive treatment, with few side-effects and a low cost.
Investigators
Wolnei Caumo
MD, PhD, Professor and coordinator of Pain & Neuromodulation Lab
Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Aged between 18 and 60 years old,
- •Providing informed consent to participate in the study,
- •Literate,
- •Clinical diagnosis of Chronic Tension-Type Headache according to the International Headache Society.
Exclusion Criteria
- •Psychiatric or neurologic disorder that unable patient to consent and follow study protocol,
- •De-compensated systemic disease,
- •Chronic inflammatory disease (e.g. Systemic Lupus Erythematous, Rheumatoid Arthritis),
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Pain Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)
Time Frame: An expected average of 3 months. (At baseline and at the end of each intervention period).
The intensity of pain was measured by a 10 cm VAS. The scores range from no pain (zero) to the worst possible pain (10 cm).
Secondary Outcomes
- Headache Impact Test (HIT-6)(An expected average of 3 months. (At baseline and at the end of each intervention period).)