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Mind over migraine: brain network may explain why some expect side effects

NCT ID NCT07720895

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Ioanna Spanou Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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Recruitment status, easiest to join first

Recruiting now
This trial is taking on new participants right now.
Not yet recruiting
Registered, but not yet taking participants.
By invitation only
Not open to general applications. Only people the study team invites can take part.
Paused
Paused for now. It may or may not start again.
Ongoing
Running, but no longer taking on new participants.
Completed This study
The trial has finished. Results may not be published yet.
Stopped early
Stopped early, before it reached the end. That can be for many reasons, including safety.
Cancelled
Cancelled before anyone took part.

Expanded access (not trials)

Expanded access
Not a trial. This treatment can be requested outside a study, case by case, for people who qualify.
Expanded access (paused)
Not a trial. The treatment can normally be requested outside a study, but is unavailable right now.
Expanded access (ended)
Not a trial. The treatment could once be requested outside a study, but no longer can.
Approved
The treatment has been approved, so it is available normally rather than through this programme.

When the status isn't known

Details not published
The full record has not been published yet, so there is little to show here.
Status unknown
This status has not been confirmed recently, so it may be out of date.

First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study investigates whether changes in a brain network called the default mode network (DMN) are linked to the nocebo effect — experiencing side effects from negative expectations rather than from a treatment itself. Researchers will use functional MRI to scan the brains of 40 adults with migraine before and after a nocebo challenge, where some participants receive a saline infusion or verbal suggestion that they might feel numbness. The goal is to understand why some people are more susceptible to nocebo responses, which could lead to better communication and treatment adherence in migraine care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to
If this study identifies brain patterns linked to nocebo responses, it could help doctors predict who is at risk and improve communication about migraine treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a small, exploratory study with only 36 participants. The findings may not apply to all people with migraine, and larger studies are needed to confirm any results.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

40 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Oct 2019

Finished

Oct 2023

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 to 55 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of migraine (ICHD-3) * Age 18-55 years * Right-handedness * Be able to read and sign written informed consent in Greek * Absence of migraine attack during the experiment Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of chronic migraine * Cognitive disorders requiring medication * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Presence of any metallic objects in the eyes or central nervous system * Implanted metallic or electronic devices (e.g. cardiac pacemaker, metallic cardiac valve, cochlear implant, orthopedic implants * History of claustrophobia * Use of prophylactic anti-migraine treatment during recruitment

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

migraine disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Migraine Nocebo effects

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • 1st Neurogy Department, Aeginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian Hospital

    Athens, 11528, Greece

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