Comparing pain sensitivity in people with primary headaches and healthy people
Compares muscle tenderness and pain sensitivity in adults with headaches and adults without.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Pericranial and General Sensitivity in Patients With Primary Headache
Key facts
- Where
- Barcelona, SpainSee the site
Where in Spain
- International University of CataluñaBarcelona, SpainNo longer taking part
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
- Trial code
- NCT07514208
- Record updated
- 7 April 2026
- Original description
Primary headaches such as migraine and tension type headache are among the most common neurological disorders and frequently cause significant disability and reduced quality of life. Increasing evidence suggests that these headaches may share biological mechanisms with temporomandibular disorders, a group of conditions affecting the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint. Both conditions are also often associated with other chronic pain disorders, suggesting that altered pain processing and sensitization of the nervous system may play an important role in their development.Read full original descriptionShow less
Pericranial and General Sensitivity in Patients With Primary Headache: a Multicenter Case-control Study
Primary headaches such as migraine and tension type headache are among the most common neurological disorders and frequently cause significant disability and reduced quality of life. Increasing evidence suggests that these headaches may share biological mechanisms with temporomandibular disorders, a group of conditions affecting the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint. Both conditions are also often associated with other chronic pain disorders, suggesting that altered pain processing and sensitization of the nervous system may play an important role in their development.
Despite these observations, few studies have simultaneously evaluated local muscle tenderness around the head and neck, generalized pain sensitivity in other parts of the body, and the presence of additional chronic pain conditions in patients with primary headaches. Understanding how these factors interact may help clarify why some patients develop more severe or persistent headache disorders and may improve future diagnostic and treatment strategies.
The aim of this multicenter observational study is to compare patients with primary headaches to healthy individuals without headaches. The study will assess sensitivity of muscles around the head and neck, general pain sensitivity at distant body sites, the presence of temporomandibular disorders, and the number of other chronic pain conditions. Participants will also complete questionnaires about pain symptoms and related health conditions.
Participants will undergo a clinical examination performed by trained clinicians, including manual assessment of tenderness in head and neck muscles and measurement of pressure pain thresholds using a handheld device. Additional evaluations will include standardized questionnaires about pain intensity, pain distribution, and symptoms related to central sensitization. Cervical motor and sensorimotor function will also be evaluated using a wearable sensor system.
By comparing individuals with primary headaches and healthy controls, the study aims to better understand the relationship between headache disorders, jaw related pain conditions, and general pain sensitivity. The results may contribute to improved clinical assessment and a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms underlying headache and related pain disorders.
Inclusion: Adults diagnosed with primary headache disorders, including migraine or tension-type headache, according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders third edition; Diagnosis confirmed by a headache specialist; Stable medical treatment for headache for at least six months prior to participation; Ability to understand and communicate in Spanish, English, or German; Ability to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion: Previous diagnosis of uncontrolled psychiatric disorders or neurodegenerative diseases; Presence of secondary headache disorders or clinical suspicion of secondary headache based on screening criteria; Severe dermatological conditions or injuries affecting the head, neck, or intraoral region that could interfere with clinical examination; Recent onset of undiagnosed headache or unilateral neck pain associated with neurological or neuropathic symptoms; Recent fractures affecting the head or cervical region; Pregnancy.