Blood protein may help ER spot serious headaches

NCT ID NCT02683304

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looked at whether measuring a protein called S100B in the blood can help emergency doctors tell the difference between primary headaches (like migraines) and secondary headaches (caused by something serious like a bleed or infection). Researchers enrolled 81 adults with non-traumatic headaches and compared their S100B levels, MRI results, and final diagnoses. If S100B proves reliable, it could become a quick screening tool in the ER.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

S100B protein measurement

What this could lead to

If S100B levels reliably distinguish dangerous secondary headaches from common ones, it could give ER doctors a quick blood test to guide care.

What could go wrong

This is a small pilot study (81 people) with no control group. The test may not be accurate enough, and results need confirmation in larger trials.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Headache headache disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CHRU de Nîmes - Hôpital Universitaire Carémeau

    Nîmes, 30029, France