NCT07223008 Bilateral Embolization of the Middle Meningeal Arteries for Refractory Chronic Migraine
| NCT ID | NCT07223008 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Johns Hopkins University |
| Condition | Migraine |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 13 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-04-24 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-04 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 13 participants in total. It began in 2026-04-24 with a primary completion date of 2027-04.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
This study is to test the safety and feasibility of a procedure called embolization of the middle meningeal arteries (MMA), using a product called Onyx. Embolization creates a plug in the arteries. MMA embolization with Onyx is not approved for use in patients with migraines, but is currently used in patients with subdural hematomas. The FDA is allowing the use of Onyx in this study. It is thought that by using Onyx to block the middle meningeal arteries, the amount of migraine-causing substances which are released into the brain's bloodstream will be reduced. The company that manufactures Onyx, Medtronic, is providing the supplies for this study. Participants will be in the study for about 8 months after enrolling, including 6 months of follow up after the procedure. The participants will be asked to complete a daily headache diary and continue the participant's regular migraine medications. Participants will also have several clinic visits and be asked to provide blood samples for research.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion criteria: * Age 18\<x\<80 * Meets ICHD3 criteria for chronic migraine, (ICHD3, 1.3; with inclusion of ICHD3 1.1 and 1.2.1 only), with first migraine before age 50 (in concordance with previously published trials in migraine therapy36,39) . Patients must experience bilateral migraine symptoms. * Satisfy criteria for refractory chronic migraine defined as failure of, inadequate response to, or inability to tolerate migraine preventatives in at least 2 classes. Migraine preventatives include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-convulsants (valproic acid, topiramate), anti-depressants (venlafaxine, amitriptyline), CGRP monoclonal antibodies, botulinum toxin injections. Chronic migraines must have persisted for at least 12 months prior to enrollment and at least 6 months after failing 2 classes of medication. * Has not used opiates or barbiturates as acute (rescue) therapy for migraine headache. Opiate or barbiturate use for reasons other than migraine is allowed. Other classes of acute migraine medications are acceptable. Acute (rescue, abortive) medications for migraines include acetaminophen, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), gepants, triptans, anti-emetics (anti-nausea medications). * Exclusion of secondary headache disorder which may cause migraines/symptoms, including MRI/MRA (performed as routine care showing no underlying lesion that may be causing headaches, within 3 years of screening). * At least one migraine free day during the last month per headache diary. * Minimum MIDAS score of 21 (reflecting severely disabling migraine, in concordance with ongoing MMA lidocaine infusion trial44). * Able to read/write in English. Patients who are not English language users will not be enrolled as the study assessments are only validated in English. * Able to sign informed consent for themselves. * Able to complete study requirements/follow-up as outlined in study plan section 3.6. Exclusion criteria: * History of cranial or cervical vascular interventions or surgery, including craniotomy/craniectomy, shunt placement, stereoelectroencephalography, and carotid endarterectomy. * A history of opiate or barbiturate use for the treatment of chronic migraine within one year. * Current intracranial lesions as determined by routine care MRI for exclusion of secondary headache disorders. * History of cranial radiation treatment. * Patients with additional diagnoses under ICHD3 (such as hemiplegic migraine, basilar migraine, new daily persistent headache, or cluster headache) are ineligible * Significant liver function impairment or serum creatinine \> 2.0 mg/dL. Patients with elevated creatinine levels who are on dialysis may be eligible. * History of systemic malignancy or auto-immune inflammatory disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases). * History of life-threatening allergy to radiographic contrast. Patients with this allergy may be eligible if it can be managed medically. * Enrollment in another migraine study which could confound this study's endpoints, including undergoing any intervention or receiving an experimental drug under investigation for migraine therapy. * Additional medical or social concerns which could confound this study's endpoints or otherwise create undue risk or interfere with the participant's ability to complete the study, as assessed by the PI. * As this study is open only to patients with chronic migraine, which is refractory to treatment, patients who have previously been diagnosed with chronic migraine but now experience episodic migraine due to effective therapy are not eligible. * Patients with additional diagnoses under ICHD3 (such as hemiplegic migraine, basilar migraine, new daily persistent headache, or cluster headache) are ineligible.
Contact & Investigator
Risheng Xu, MD, PhD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07223008 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 80 Years, studying Migraine. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07223008 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07223008 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at ksajna1@jhmi.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07223008 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Baltimore, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07223008 clinical trial?
NCT07223008 is sponsored by Johns Hopkins University. The principal investigator is Risheng Xu, MD, PhD at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The trial plans to enroll 13 participants.
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