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Updated: Jun 23, 2025
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3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
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Hypersensitivity to BKCa channel opening in persistent post-traumatic headache
Haidar M Al-Khazali1,2,3,4,5, Rune H Christensen3,4,5, David W Dodick4,6
1Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
The Journal of Headache and Pain
|June 18, 2024
Summary
Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channel opening with MaxiPost induced migraine-like headaches in persistent post-traumatic headache patients. This suggests BKCa channels are a potential target for new PPTH treatments.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Neurology
Background:
- Large conductance calcium-activated potassium (BKCa) channels are implicated in migraine pathophysiology.
- Persistent post-traumatic headache (PPTH) shares clinical similarities with migraine.
- Investigating BKCa channel activity in PPTH may reveal therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if MaxiPost, a BKCa channel opener, can induce migraine-like headaches in individuals with PPTH.
- To compare the headache-inducing effects of MaxiPost versus placebo in PPTH patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted.
- Participants with PPTH and no prior migraine history received intravenous MaxiPost or placebo.
- Headache induction and intensity were assessed over a 12-hour period post-infusion.
Main Results:
- 52% of participants developed migraine-like headaches after MaxiPost, compared to 19% after placebo (P = .02).
- Headache intensity, measured by AUC, was significantly higher with MaxiPost than placebo (P < .001).
Conclusions:
- BKCa channel opening can trigger migraine-like headaches in individuals with PPTH.
- Pharmacological blockade of BKCa channels represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for PPTH.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore BKCa channel blockers for PPTH management.
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