Interactions between nociceptive and non-nociceptive circuits: intranasal lidocaine to treat primary and secondary headache (A04)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: since 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 255156212

Intranasal delivery of lidocaine can provide acute pain relief in obstetric patients with post dural puncture headache (PDPH). Currently, there is no consensus on the site or the precise mechanism of action of intranasal lidocaine for acute headache relief. This project sets out to close the gap by monitoring the efficacy of lidocaine in PDPH patients in parallel with two-photon imaging and electrophysiology in pre-clinical headache models. By identifying sites and mechanisms of action of intranasal lidocaine within the nasal cavity, cranial meninges and spinal trigeminal nucleus, we hope to broaden the scope of pain states for which intranasal lidocaine may be indicated.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1158: From nociception to chronic pain: Structure-function properties of neural pathways and their reorganisation
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Project Heads: Privatdozent Dr. Richard Carr; Professor Dr. Stephan Frings, until 6/2019; Dr. Jing Hu, until 6/2019; Professor Dr. Stefan Lechner, from 7/2019 until 6/2023; Dr. Beatrice Oehler