As a lifelong migraine sufferer, it was taxing hearing others interpret my migraines. Either I was not drinking enough water, I was ignorant towards my diet, or I was not sleeping enough. What they did not discern is that I was suffering from a neurological disease and the years that I devoted to researching migraines and adjusting my lifestyle accordingly had no beneficial impact.

A misconception about migraine headaches is that the victim must only manage the associated pain. But additional to the nausea, emesis, and aura, migraine sufferers also face challenges in their work and social lives. Since the age of four, I have experienced migraines with little alleviation of the pain and discomfort. Throughout my adolescence, my family sought treatments through medications and holistic approaches. While my peers were together learning school courses, I was frequenting specialist appointments and researching the root cause of my disease. Following visits with my family doctor, neurologist and naturopath, and after trying various classes of medications, I soon discovered that migraines are unique to the sufferer, and that establishing an effective treatment is a complex process.

It is a defeating feeling when your physician expresses that you are running low on treatment options. This glaring lack of any relief is what motivated me to research other options. For decades it has been known that there is an evident relationship between migraines, serotonin levels, and the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a molecule produced in neurons. The complex nature of the disease results in a spectrum of medications with unique mechanism of actions and a range of effectiveness. This important research was the route the led me to discover clinical trials.

To my knowledge, new medications were being studied at a research center near me. I learned of Okanagan Clinical Trials (OCT) in a news article for Emgality, a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to CGRP, and in turn prevents migraine headaches from occurring. The appeal to me was that my countless hours of research guided me to the possibility of trialling a medication directly relevant to my research. I was filled with anticipation that I may finally find some relief from my chronic migraines!

Photo Credit: Okanagan Clinical Trials

Soon after contacting OCT, I learned the clinical trial process is calculated and delicate. The staff were informative and friendly, while illustrating what a clinical research study entails. They allotted plenty of time for me to read through the paperwork before volunteering to participate. Upon entering the placebo-controlled study, my migraine history, vital sign measurements and bloodwork were reviewed. It was explained that all clinical trials are voluntary, and although volunteers are critical to advancing research, I could stop participating at any time.

The respite I received from my chronic migraines was long-overdue and graciously embraced. Simply put, this clinical trial was life-altering. Along with a significant reduction in intensity and frequency of my migraines, the effective treatment gives me months back in a single year. This is time I can dedicate to my family, my career, and my social life. These are opportunities I would never have experienced had I not participated in this study.

Participating in a research trial gave me clarity in multiple areas: everyone’s migraine treatment journey is vastly different; it was imperative for me to do my research prior to participating; the clinical trial process is a crucial aspect of research that benefits others with the same indication. It allowed me to discover that, although I felt isolated at times, there are others who suffer from chronic migraines and have subsequently stepped up for research. Should I develop another debilitating condition for which there is an available clinical trial, I would promptly participate in another study. I believe that clinical trials are pivotal for our society and the healthcare system, and that the volunteers are at their root.

If you or someone you know may benefit from volunteering in a study, or to learn more about what research opportunities are available near you, please contact Okanagan Clinical Trials at 250-862-8141.

Photo Credit: Okanagan Clinical Trials