Glyceryl-Trinitrate-Induced Headache in Patients With Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Type 1 and 2
Glyceryl-Trinitrate-Induced Headache in Patients With Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Type 1 and 2
The aim of the present study is to explore functional consequences of migraine gene mutations
 on their responses to GTN infusion.
Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) induces migraine attacks indistinguishable from spontaneous attacks
 in approximately 80% of migraine sufferers. After systemic administration GTN is transformed
 to nitric oxide (NO). Treatment of spontaneous migraine attacks with an inhibitor of NO is
 effective in 60% of patients. These data show that NO is involved in both initiation and
 maintenance of migraine attack.

 The consequence of migraine gene mutations on relevant migraine pathways has never been
 tested. The aim of the present study is to explore functional consequences of migraine gene
 mutations on their responses to GTN infusion. The project will improve our understanding of
 the neurobiology of migraine and stimulate development of new treatment targets.
Inclusion Criteria:

 Patients: Diagnosis of familial hemiplegic migraine (IHS-classification criteria) caused by
 mutations in the CACNA1A gene and the ATP1A2 gene.

 Controls: healthy volunteers

 Exclusion Criteria:

 Controls: No primary headache in their own history

 Patients and controls:

 -  A history of cerebrovascular disease and other CNS- disease

 -  A history of serious somatic and mental disease

 -  A history suggesting ischaemic heart disease

 -  A history of hypo- or hypertension

 -  Daily intake of medication apart from oral contraceptives

 -  Abuse of alcohol or medicine (opioid analgesics).

 -  Pregnant or breastfeeding women.

 On the study day:

 -  No intake of a simple analgesic in the previous 48 hours

 -  No headache in the previous 48 hours