Research

Migraine research over the past 30 years has contributed significantly to elucidating the origin of migraine attacks. This includes the discovery of a first migraine gene in 1993 and the discovery of a second migraine gene in 2003. These research results also disproved the old theory according to which the neurological deficits of the migraine aura (mainly visual and sensory disturbances in the run-up to the attack) are caused by a constriction of cerebral arteries and the headache is triggered by the dilation of the cerebral and cranial arteries. Today it is clear that migraine originates in the brain, more precisely in the brain stem, as a derailment of quite normal regulatory circuits that control functions such as wakefulness, hunger and thirst. This does not cause any damage.

To ensure that we remain at the cutting edge of knowledge and can offer our patients even better treatment options in the future, we conduct drug studies and migraine research in our internal research center. In addition, the Headache Center Hirslanden AG regularly participates in national and international studies as an official study center in collaboration with Neurologica GmbH.

For our studies (migraine, cluster headache, etc.) we are continuously looking for suitable study participants.

In order to be able to participate in a study at the Hirslanden Headache Center, a prior visit to one of our physicians is necessary. This will determine whether participation in a study is possible and, if so, in which study. This is because inclusion and exclusion criteria are defined for each study, all of which must be fulfilled for a person to be allowed to participate in this study. These inclusion and exclusion criteria may relate, for example, to gender, age or previous treatments, etc.

For further information as well as registration for participation in our studies, please contact our study physician, Mrs. Claudia Gübelin – De Campo, by e-mail studien@kopfwww.ch or phone +41 (0) 43 499 13 30.

The detection and treatment of diseases has made great progress in recent years, thanks in particular to medical research. The Hirslanden AG Headache Center is committed to ensuring that new findings can continue to be made in the future to help better understand and treat diseases. In order to conduct this research, physicians need health data and biological samples from healthy and sick people.

However, according to Swiss law, we may only use patient data and samples if we have your written consent. At your first appointment at the Hirslanden AG Headache Center, you will therefore be asked whether you are willing to make your data available for research. You will be given an information sheet with the declaration of consent (general consent) to sign.

The information sheet is available at our reception.

The Swiss Migraine Research Association

The Swiss Migraine Research Association, founded in 2006 by Reto Agosti, M.D. and Head of the Headache Centre Hirslanden, is particularly committed to improving the acceptance of migraine in society.

Medical lectures and events

As a neurological competence center, we attach great importance to always being up to date with the latest knowledge and research. This is the only way we can offer our patients optimal treatment.