Migraine sufferers are being urged to put themselves forward for a new treatment trial.

A team of neurologists working in the north of England hope to find out whether their cooling device will be effective for those suffering regular migraines.

Around 90 volunteers are being sought to take part in the scheme, with Cumbria included on the list of counties that are eligible.

Dr Jitka Vanderpol, who runs the Cumbria Headache Forum and is leading the study, explained migraine treatments do not always work and can cause side effects.

He added: "Among adults of all ages, migraine is one of the top 20 causes of disability.

"It is becoming increasingly important to find novel, drug-free methods to treat migraine headaches.

"A recent pilot trial has shown that intra-nasal cooling appears to be an effective, quick and well-tolerated treatment.

"Our team is now starting a larger randomised clinical trial to provide further evidence of benefit from this application."

Anyone aged between 18 and 70-years-old, who has had between one and 15 migraines a month for over a year, can apply to be a part of the trial so long as they have had no changes to their medication for 12 weeks.

Participants should have no history of heart disease or planned pregnancy.

Anyone who would like more information should email research@cumbria.nhs.uk


A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Many people also have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound, says NHS Choices . The exact cause of migraines is unknown, although they're thought to be the result of temporary changes in the chemicals, nerves and blood vessels in the brain.