Could rubbing alcohol stop migraine nausea?
NCT ID NCT05175521
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether inhaling isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) vapor can reduce nausea during a migraine attack, compared to inhaling eucalyptus scent. Twenty-one adults with frequent migraines took part. Participants inhaled the assigned scent at home when nausea started, and reported how their nausea changed over time.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- isopropyl alcohol vapors
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a quick, low-cost way to reduce nausea during a migraine attack.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small trial (21 people) and the results may not apply to everyone. The effect could be due to the strong smell rather than a specific medical benefit.
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
-
21 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Nov 2021
- Finished
-
Apr 2026
- Lead sponsor
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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 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients 18 to 65 years old with nausea associated migraines at least twice per month Exclusion Criteria: * Patients \<18 or \>65 years old * Patients without a diagnosis of acute migraine
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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HonorHealth Bob Bové Neuroscience Institute
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85251, United States
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