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Headache, MigraineNCT06584409

Migraines Accepted Laser Acupuncture Compared in Blood Test of MMP2 and CGRP

A study testing Laser Pen and Observation in people with Headache, Migraine, run by Taichung Veterans General Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Aims: To investigate the efficacy of laser-acupuncture for the severity of primary headache and comorbidities, and the Lab data examination. Methods: In this hospital-based prospective single blind randomized sham-controlled study, patients over 18 years old with primary headache will be randomly divided into two… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Headache, Migraine
What is being tested?
Laser Pen and Observation
Type of treatment
Medical device
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 siteTaiwan
Study dates
7 Apr 2025to 1 Dec 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Migraine patient under the diagnosis and classification of headache was evaluated using the ICHD-3 criteria.

Who cannot join

  • Age under 18 years old
  • Pregnancy

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Yuan-Chen Liu, M.D. contact

886-972199271

jordan810701@gmail.com

Ching-Chun Chung, M.D. contact

886-988566621

gracechung1015@gmail.com

Taiwan1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Taichung Veterans General Hospital

    Taichung, Taichang, 404

    Yuan-Chen Liu, 886-4-2359-2525 ext. 82641

    Recruiting

Other trials in Taiwan

About this study

Official title: The Comparsion of Primary Headache in Blood Test of MMP2 and CGRP: A Single Blind Randomized Sham-laser-acupuncture Controlled Study.

Aims:

To investigate the efficacy of laser-acupuncture for the severity of primary headache and comorbidities, and the Lab data examination.

Read more

Methods:

In this hospital-based prospective single blind randomized sham-controlled study, patients over 18 years old with primary headache will be randomly divided into two treatment arms including laser-acupuncture and sham-controlled group. The expected laser-acupuncture protocol will be bilateral BL2, GB20, EX-HN5, GB8, LI4, LR3 and midline EX-HN3 in totally eight sessions at the first month. In the sham-laser-acupuncture group, patients will receive eight sessions of laser-acupuncture for free after unblinding. We expected to track patients for at least half year. The diagnosis and classification of headache was evaluated using the ICHD-3 criteria. The severity of headache was evaluated using Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and headache diary provided by Taiwan Headache Society. The co-primary efficacy end points are change in migraine days per month and variation of MIDAS. The secondary end point is the reducing of the severity of comorbidities including headache related anxiety and depression, and both of the quality of life and sleep.

In addition, patients' characteristics will be investigated as follows:

  1. Sociodemographic factors (ethnicity, age, sex, body weight, BMI, blood pressure)
  2. Headache related parameters (onset, duration, pain scale, current medication for headache, menstrual cycle)
  3. Anxiety, evaluate by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
  4. Depression, evaluate by Beck's Depression Inventory
  5. Quality of life, evaluate by 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36)
  6. Quality of sleep, evaluate by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
  7. Aura of headache
  8. Episodic or chronic headache (If patient diagnosed as migraine.)
  9. Nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia (If patient diagnosed as migraine.) During the following time, we will need the patient's blood samples four times, each times 20cc, all need 80cc for Lab test of MMP2, CGRP, substance P, beta-endorphin.

Importance:

In our hospital, we perform laser-acupuncture for patients with headache for several years. A prospective randomized controlled study is the key tools to establish the efficacy of laser-acupuncture for primary headache, and the Lab data with MMP2, CGRP, substance P, beta-endorphin for approval. Look forward to help improve therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.

Read the detailed description

Headache is one of the most common complaints encountered in medical institution as known as an almost universal human experience. Approximately 65% of headaches are classified as primary, which was a composite of migraine, tension-type headache, trigeminal autonomic cephalalgia and other primary headaches according to the third edition of the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3). Primary headaches encompass a heterogeneous group of neurologic disorders and might be bothersome for patients.

It's well established that acupuncture can be considered a treatment option for migraine prevention. The efficacy of laser-acupuncture is similar to acupuncture, and laser-acupuncture is a non-invasive therapeutic approach and safety. It could reduce the risk of hemorrhage, infection and needle phobia. However, the efficacy of laser-acupuncture in primary headache remains inconclusive.

MMP2, CGRP, substance P, beta-endorphin are new Lab examination for following up the patients suffered from migraine.

Aims:

To investigate the efficacy of laser-acupuncture for the severity of primary headache and comorbidities, and the Lab data examination.

Methods:

In this hospital-based prospective single blind randomized sham-controlled study, patients over 18 years old with primary headache will be randomly divided into two treatment arms including laser-acupuncture and sham-controlled group. The expected laser-acupuncture protocol will be bilateral BL2, GB20, EX-HN5, GB8, LI4, LR3 and midline EX-HN3 in totally eight sessions at the first month. In the sham-laser-acupuncture group, patients will receive eight sessions of laser-acupuncture for free after unblinding. We expected to track patients for at least half year. The diagnosis and classification of headache was evaluated using the ICHD-3 criteria. The severity of headache was evaluated using Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and headache diary provided by Taiwan Headache Society. The co-primary efficacy end points are change in migraine days per month and variation of MIDAS. The secondary end point is the reducing of the severity of comorbidities including headache related anxiety and depression, and both of the quality of life and sleep.

In addition, patients' characteristics will be investigated as follows:

  1. Sociodemographic factors (ethnicity, age, sex, body weight, BMI, blood pressure)
  2. Headache related parameters (onset, duration, pain scale, current medication for headache, menstrual cycle)
  3. Anxiety, evaluate by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
  4. Depression, evaluate by Beck's Depression Inventory
  5. Quality of life, evaluate by 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36)
  6. Quality of sleep, evaluate by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)
  7. Aura of headache
  8. Episodic or chronic headache (If patient diagnosed as migraine.)
  9. Nausea, vomiting, photophobia, phonophobia (If patient diagnosed as migraine.) During the following time, we will need the patient's blood samples four times, each times 20cc, all need 80cc for Lab test of MMP2, CGRP, substance P, beta-endorphin.

Importance:

In our hospital, we perform laser-acupuncture for patients with headache for several years. A prospective randomized controlled study is the key tools to establish the efficacy of laser-acupuncture for primary headache, and the Lab data with MMP2, CGRP, substance P, beta-endorphin for approval. Look forward to help improve therapeutic strategies in clinical practice.

Being tested
Laser Pen, Observation
Medical subject headings
Migraine Disorders

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Laser PenDevice

    Laser stimulation energy of 4.5 J for 30 seconds at each of the following acupoints: bilateral Cuanzhu (BL2), Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Shuaigu (GB8), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3) and midline Yintang (EX-HN3)

  • ObservationOther

    Sham treatment with no laser output, stimulate the same acupoints as laser acupuncture group as follows: 30 seconds at bilateral Cuanzhu (BL2), Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Shuaigu (GB8), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3) and midline Yintang (EX-HN3)

    After 6 months followed up, the sham group received truely Laser stimulation energy of 4.5 J for 30 seconds at each of the following acupoints: bilateral Cuanzhu (BL2), Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Shuaigu (GB8), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3) and midline Yintang (EX-HN3), and followed up for another 3 months.

Study groups in NCT06584409
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Laser treatmentExperimentalCM patients with unsatisfactory pharmacological effects receive laser acupuncture for 8 sessions that spanned 4 weeks. Laser stimulation energy of 4.5 J for 30 seconds at each of the following acupoints: bilateral Cuanzhu (BL2), Fengchi (GB20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Shuaigu (GB8), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3) and midline Yintang (EX-HN3)
Receives: Device: Laser Pen
Sham treatmentSham comparatorCM patients with unsatisfactory pharmacological effects receive sham treatment for 8 sessions that spanned 4 weeks. Sham treatment had no laser output.
Receives: Other: Observation

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. cGRP

    change in cGRP from baasline and each follow-up time point

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  2. MMP2

    change in MMP2 from baasline and each follow-up time point

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

Secondary outcomes (10)
  1. Difference in the number of headache days per month

    change in monthly migraine days (MMD) from baseline and each follow-up time point

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  2. Difference in the of headache attacks lasting hours per month

    change in acute headache medications usage days per month from baseline and each follow-up time point

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  3. Difference in the headache pain intensity (NRS)

    changes in the headache severity (based on NRS) between baseline and each follow-up time point

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  4. Difference in the number of days with acute headache medication intake per month

    change in acute headache medications usage days per month from baseline and each follow-up time point

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  5. Difference in the Migraine Disability Assessment

    changes in the Migraine Disability Assessmen between baseline and each follow-up time point.

    Title: Migraine Disability Assessmen Maximum value:450 Minimum value:0 Higher scores mean: worsen outcome

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  6. Difference in the Beck's Depression Inventory

    change in Beck's Depression Inventory between baseline and each follow-up time point

    Title:Beck's Depression Inventory Maximum value:63 Minimum value:0 Higher scores mean: worsen outcome

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  7. Difference in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale

    change in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale between baseline and each follow-up time point

    Title:Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Maximum value:21/21 Minimum value:0/0 Higher scores mean:worsen outcome

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  8. 30% reduction in migraine days

    ≥ 30% reduction in migraine days between baseline and each follow-up time point

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  9. Substance P

    change in Substance P from baasline and each follow-up time point

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

  10. beta-endorphin

    change in beta-endorphin from baasline and each follow-up time point

    Measured: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted4 Sep 2024
  2. Study start7 Apr 2025
  3. Primary completion1 Nov 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Dec 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Crossover
Model description
The patients was divided to sham group or laser acupuncture group. After 1 months treatment, and followed up for 6 months., the sham group received complementary laser acupuncture for 1 months and followed up for another 3 months.
Masking
Triple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06584409
Sponsor's protocol ID
CF24162B
Status last verified
Sep 2026
First submitted
2 Sep 2024
Last updated
30 Sep 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Laser Pen and Observation in people with Headache, Migraine, run by Taichung Veterans General Hospital at 1 site in Taiwan.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Yuan-Chen Liu, M.D. (886-972199271, jordan810701@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

cGRP (time frame: 12 weeks, 24 weeks, 36 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Sep 2026.

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