Medical research
Research Volunteers Needed
From time to time The Migraine Trust is approached by researchers seeking volunteers to assist with migraine related research projects. Details of current projects that are recruiting research volunteers are listed below.
Please note that any enquiries should be made to the researchers directly using the contact details provided as these research projects are independent of The Migraine Trust. Inclusion on The Migraine Trust website is for information only, not a recommendation. Please read The Migraine Trust's disclaimer here.
Brain imaging study
Oxford University is conducting a brain imaging study in people who suffer migraine with visual aura, and in particular where the migraine is triggered by bright glare, flickering lights, visual patterns or other forms of visual stimulation. Ideally they would like to scan women with this type of migraine, aged 20-40 years and seek volunteers who fit this description. The aim of this research is to try to understand differences in brain activation and brain structure in people suffering from migraine.
The study will take place at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. Taking part will involve one visit with an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan and about 1-1.5 hours of your time. Once the study is finished, the researchers will let study participants know their overall findings. Please note that the MRI scans in this study cannot replace an MRI ordered by your doctor or neurologist. Help with travel costs is available.
Contact details for further information:
If you are interested please contact either Dr Zameel Cader (01865 285875) or Dr Holly Bridge (01865 222582) by email or telephone. They can then give you further information about the study.
Preventative medication study
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospitals are running a research study for people having frequent migraine attacks. They are looking for patients to take part in the study who are above 18 years of age, not pregnant or breast feeding, not on regular warfarin and aspirin and have 4 to 15 migraine days a month. The study will investigate a medication as a prophylactic treatment for migraine (to prevent attacks) and will be conducted from Guy’s Hospital, London.
The time frame for the study is 4 months and will involve: Taking the medication or a matching placebo once a day for 3 months, an initial visit to the migraine clinic and then 4 visits to the study nurse (about half an hour on each occasion), an echocardiogram (an ultrasound scan of the heart) taking one hour, and keeping a headache diary. Help with travel costs is available.
Contact details for further information:
The research nurse coordinating the study is Golda-Grace Azanu who can be contacted on golda-grace.azanu@gstt.nhs.uk or 020 7188 1036. The investigators are Prof Leone Ridsdale, Paul Seed and Prof John Chambers who can be contacted on john.chambers@gstt.nhs.uk or 020 7188 1047.
Research Ethics Committees in London are recruiting new members
The National Research Ethics Service is looking for NHS users, patients, ex-patients or their relatives, who are interested in scrutinising the ethical aspects of research proposals.
Committee members receive training in ethical review and have opportunities to debate challenging issues in the life sciences to help protect the rights and well-being of research participants and promote ethical research. Positions are voluntary but expenses are paid, including travel and childcare costs if applicable. Committees meet on average for half a day per month and applicants will need to be able to attend at least two thirds of meetings.
Contact details for further information:
To find out more please contact Michael Fox on 020 7794 0500 ext - 31342 or michael.fox1@nhs.net. Visit www.nres.npsa.nhs.uk/aboutus or download this information leaflet.