Cluster Headache
Cluster headache is a relatively rare primary headache disorder and is one of the trigeminal autonomic headaches. Our company is dedicated to advancing the research of the cluster headache. Our experienced team of researchers and scientists tirelessly develops innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to manage this debilitating disease. We are your trusted partner in cluster headache research, providing a streamlined and comprehensive solution for all your scientific research needs.
Introduction to Cluster Headache
A cluster headache is an excruciatingly painful, one-sided headache that occurs in clusters or cycles, often referred to as "suicide headaches" due to its intensity. Cluster headache is characterized by its episodic nature, with periods of frequent attacks followed by remission periods that can last for months or even years. Its lifetime prevalence is estimated to be 124 per 100,000 persons with a one-year prevalence of 53 per million.
Pathogenesis of Cluster Headache
The cause of cluster headaches is currently unknown, but based on their attack patterns, it is speculated to be related to the area of the brain that helps run the body's biological clock, known as the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain responsible for regulating various body functions. Studies have shown that the posterior hypothalamus is activated during cluster headache attacks, suggesting its role in triggering the pain and autonomic symptoms associated with the disease.
Another cause of the cluster headache is an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain, especially neurotransmitters like serotonin. Research shows that during the cluster headache attack, neurotransmitters are released abnormally, leading to dilation and inflammation of blood vessels in the brain. This theory is supported by the effectiveness of drugs that target serotonin receptors in treating cluster headache symptoms.
Fig.1 Pathophysiology of cluster headache. (Costa, et al, 2015)Diagnostics Development of Cluster Headache
Symptom Assessment
Assessment of individual symptoms and medical history is an important diagnostic approach in cluster headache, with particular attention to the unilateral nature of the headache, duration and frequency of attacks, and accompanying symptoms.
Imaging Test
Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) can be used to rule out other underlying conditions. Imaging tests help to further diagnose cluster headache.
Genetic Testing and Biomarker Detection
Genetic testing and identifying specific biomarkers associated with cluster headaches may contribute to more accurate and efficient diagnosis in the future.
Therapeutics Development of Cluster Headaches
The management of cluster headaches often involves the use of medications that serve two main purposes: providing relief from acute pain during cluster headache attacks and reducing the frequency and intensity of these attacks. Common therapeutic drugs include triptans, verapamil, corticosteroids, etc.
New drugs development is a focus of research into the therapies of cluster headache. The key to development lies in the in-depth study of disease mechanisms and potential targets.
| Target Name | Description |
|---|---|
| CGRP Receptor Antagonists | Drugs known as CGRP receptor antagonists, such as ubrogepant and rimegepant, work by blocking the CGRP receptors, preventing CGRP from exerting its vasodilatory and pro-inflammatory effects. These medications provide acute relief during cluster headache attacks. |
| Serotonin Receptor Agonists | Serotonin receptor agonists, such as triptans, act on serotonin receptors to constrict blood vessels and reduce neurogenic inflammation. Triptans are commonly used for acute therapy during cluster headache attacks. |
Our Services
With years of extensive involvement in rare disease research, our company boasts a highly skilled team and vast expertise. We harness state-of-the-art technology to drive the development of innovative diagnostic tools, enabling early detection of cluster headaches. By establishing animal models and conducting in-depth investigations into cluster headache pathogenesis and targets, we advance therapeutic drug development.
Our Research Platforms
Our Services
- Animal models development
- Direct electrical stimulation of trigeminal neurons in vivo to construct an animal headache model (mice or rats)
- Construction of animal headache models using inflammatory mediators (mice or rats)
- Construction of animal headache models using exogenous nociceptive substances (mice or rats)
Regardless of your current stage of research, we offer comprehensive research services tailored to your needs. If you are interested in our services, please don't hesitate to contact us for more information and a detailed quotation regarding the specific services you require.
References
- Costa, Alfredo, et al. "The neuropharmacology of cluster headache and other trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias." Current Neuropharmacology 13.3 (2015): 304-323.
- May, Arne, et al. "Cluster headache." Nature reviews Disease primers 4.1 (2018): 1-17.
- Harriott, Andrea M., et al. "Animal models of migraine and experimental techniques used to examine trigeminal sensory processing." The journal of headache and pain 20 (2019): 1-15.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.