Continuing his Vision
Merrill P. Spencer, M.D. (1922-2006)

Migraine and non-migraine Subjects Needed For Migraine RESEARCH:

Cerebral Vasomotor Reactivity and Blood Flow Distribution in Migraineurs with Right to Left Shunt (CVRD)

People with migraines with aura are at increased risk for stroke, especially in the back (posterior) part of the brain.  Some studies indicate that people with migraines have more blood flow in that area, which may explain migraine symptoms and stroke in these people. 

The purpose of the CVRD study is to determine whether people with migraine headaches with aura and right-to-left shunt have a different response in their brains to changes in blood carbon dioxide and in the amount of blood that reaches the back of the brain compared to people who have right-to-left shunt but no migraines.

If you are female, between the ages of 20-55 years old, and have a diagnosis of right-to-left shunt such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO) by Transcranial Doppler study, you may be eligible to participate in the CVRD study.

What are subjects asked to do?

·         Make and attend an appointment at the Seattle Neuroscience Institute at Swedish Medical Center, Cherry Hill campus

·         Participate in study procedures which will take 3-5 hours to complete

·         Answer questions about your medical history, medications, lifestyle, and specific questions related to your history of migraine headaches

·         Abstain from smoking, sweets, and caffeine for at least 4 hours before the study and from taking any medications that affect blood flow within on the day of the study

You will be paid $100 after completing the study.

If you are interested in participating in this study or have additional questions, please call to speak with Jennifer Weinkauf, Research Nurse Coordinator @ 206-215-2455.