A Clinical Study Examining the Safety and Effectiveness of a New Medication (Keppra®) for the Prevention of Migraine Headaches

Summary

The study drug levetiracetam is FDA approved as an add-on medication in the treatment of partial onset seizures in adults with epilepsy. The trade name is Keppra®. This is an "open-label" trial, which means that all participating patients will receive active study drug. The Jefferson Headache Center has developed this clinical study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of levetiracetam in preventing migraine headaches, with or without aura (visual disturbances). In addition, the study site will be performing a procedure called Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). This procedure measures brain activity because it is thought that people with migraine experience periods of cortical hyperexcitability or over-activity in the brain. This information may help physicians in the future determine which preventive medications will work for which patients.

Timeline

Start

2002-09

Primary completion

2005-01

Completion

2005-09

Drugs

Indications