Bilateral Embolization of the Middle Meningeal Arteries for Refractory Chronic Migraine

Recruiting now · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Migraine, Chronic Migraine Headache, Refractory Migraine

In brief

This study is to test the safety and feasibility of a procedure called embolization of the middle meningeal arteries (MMA), using a product called Onyx. Embolization creates a plug in the arteries. MMA embolization with Onyx is not approved for use in patients with migraines, but is currently used in patients with subdural hematomas. The FDA is allowing the use of Onyx in this study. It is thought that by using Onyx to block the middle meningeal arteries, the amount of migraine-causing substances which are released into the brain's bloodstream will be reduced. The company that manufactures Onyx, Medtronic, is providing the supplies for this study. Participants will be in the study for about 8 months after enrolling, including 6 months of follow up after the procedure. The participants will be asked to complete a daily headache diary and continue the participant's regular migraine medications. Participants will also have several clinic visits and be asked to provide blood samples for research.

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07223008
Run by: Johns Hopkins University
People needed: 13
Starts: 2026-04-24
Expected to finish: 2028-04-01
Last updated by the study team: 2026-05-04

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 80. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Age 18<x<80
Meets ICHD3 criteria for chronic migraine, (ICHD3, 1.3; with inclusion of ICHD3 1.1 and 1.2.1 only), with first migraine before age 50 (in concordance with previously published trials in migraine therapy36,39) . Patients must experience bilateral migraine symptoms.
Satisfy criteria for refractory chronic migraine defined as failure of, inadequate response to, or inability to tolerate migraine preventatives in at least 2 classes. Migraine preventatives include beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, anti-convulsants (valproic acid, topiramate), anti-depressants (venlafaxine, amitriptyline), CGRP monoclonal antibodies, botulinum toxin injections. Chronic migraines must have persisted for at least 12 months prior to enrollment and at least 6 months after failing 2 classes of medication.
Has not used opiates or barbiturates as acute (rescue) therapy for migraine headache. Opiate or barbiturate use for reasons other than migraine is allowed. Other classes of acute migraine medications are acceptable. Acute (rescue, abortive) medications for migraines include acetaminophen, NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), gepants, triptans, anti-emetics (anti-nausea medications).
Exclusion of secondary headache disorder which may cause migraines/symptoms, including MRI/MRA (performed as routine care showing no underlying lesion that may be causing headaches, within 3 years of screening).
At least one migraine free day during the last month per headache diary.
Minimum MIDAS score of 21 (reflecting severely disabling migraine, in concordance with ongoing MMA lidocaine infusion trial44).
Able to read/write in English. Patients who are not English language users will not be enrolled as the study assessments are only validated in English.
Able to sign informed consent for themselves.
Able to complete study requirements/follow-up as outlined in study plan section 3.6.

You may not qualify if…

History of cranial or cervical vascular interventions or surgery, including craniotomy/craniectomy, shunt placement, stereoelectroencephalography, and carotid endarterectomy.
A history of opiate or barbiturate use for the treatment of chronic migraine within one year.
Current intracranial lesions as determined by routine care MRI for exclusion of secondary headache disorders.
History of cranial radiation treatment.
Patients with additional diagnoses under ICHD3 (such as hemiplegic migraine, basilar migraine, new daily persistent headache, or cluster headache) are ineligible
Significant liver function impairment or serum creatinine > 2.0 mg/dL. Patients with elevated creatinine levels who are on dialysis may be eligible.
History of systemic malignancy or auto-immune inflammatory disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases).
History of life-threatening allergy to radiographic contrast. Patients with this allergy may be eligible if it can be managed medically.
Enrollment in another migraine study which could confound this study's endpoints, including undergoing any intervention or receiving an experimental drug under investigation for migraine therapy.
Additional medical or social concerns which could confound this study's endpoints or otherwise create undue risk or interfere with the participant's ability to complete the study, as assessed by the PI.
As this study is open only to patients with chronic migraine, which is refractory to treatment, patients who have previously been diagnosed with chronic migraine but now experience episodic migraine due to effective therapy are not eligible.
Patients with additional diagnoses under ICHD3 (such as hemiplegic migraine, basilar migraine, new daily persistent headache, or cluster headache) are ineligible.

Where it is running

Johns Hopkins Medicine — Baltimore, Maryland, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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