The Impact of Acupuncture on Biomarkers of Brain Injury and Inflammatory Response in Migraine

Summary

Migraine is more than just a headache-it can involve changes in the brain and inflammation. Recent research suggests that acupuncture may help by calming pain signals and reducing inflammation in the body. Scientists are studying whether acupuncture can also lower certain markers in the blood that show brain stress or inflammation. While more research is needed, acupuncture is considered safe and may reduce the number and severity of migraine attacks for many people. Acupuncture has been used for over 40 years in our practice to manage acute and chronic pain, including migraines. When performed by trained physicians, it is safe and typically reduces headache frequency and intensity, as well as nausea and vomiting, lowering the need for pain medication.

Investigators are exploring three different ways to help manage migraine headaches using gentle stimulation techniques. These include laser acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and traditional acupuncture.

Investigators want to see which method works best for reducing migraine symptoms. Investigators will look at how participants feel after treatment and also check blood samples for signs of inflammation and certain substances linked to migraines, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and markers of brain stress.

Investigators have a goal to find safe and effective options that can improve migraine care and help people feel better.

Conditions

• Migraine
• Migraine Headache
• Migraine Headache, With or Without Aura
• Migraine in Adults

Interventions

OTHER

Laser Acupuncture

Distal acupuncture points will be stimulated with laser needles

OTHER

Standard acupuncture

standard acupuncture on the scalp and distal acupuncture point that will not be stimulated with electro or laser device

OTHER

Electroacupuncture

Electroacupuncture - distal acupuncture points will be stimulated will electronic device that is used for electroacupuncture

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University Medical Centre Ljubljana

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Lea Rupert, MD · Clinical department of anaesthesiology and surgical intensive therapy University Medical Centre Ljubljana

• Jasmina Markovic Bozic, MD, Phd, Asist. Prof. · Clinical department of anaesthesiology and surgical intensive therapy University Medical Centre Ljubljana

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

85 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-11-03

Primary Completion

2026-03-15

Completion

2026-07-15

Countries

• Slovenia

Study Locations