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Headache and Migraine Research Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that is designed to answer a specific scientific question. Clinical trials are used to answer questions about new therapies, drugs, or new ways of using known treatments. Trials are conducted to determine whether new drugs are both safe and effective. The fastest and safest way to find treatments that work in people is through carefully conducted clinical trials.
2. Why participate in a clinical trial?
Participants in clinical trials play a more active role in their own health care and learn more about their disease and how to care for themselves. New research treatments can be accessed before they are available to others. Participants have an opportunity to make a valuable contribution to medical research and to help improve treatment for the future.
3. Who can participate in a clinical trial?
All clinical trials have guidelines about who can, and who cannot, participate. These guidelines are called "inclusion" and "exclusion" criteria. "Inclusion" criteria are factors that allow someone to participate in a clinical trial. "Exclusion" criteria are factors that disallow someone from participating. These criteria help to produce reliable results. Some factors considered are age, gender, the type and stage of a disease, previous treatment history, and other medical conditions. A participant must qualify for a study before participating. It is important to note that inclusion and exclusion criteria are not used to reject people personally. Instead, the criteria are used to identify appropriate participants and keep them safe. The criteria help ensure that researchers will be able to answer the questions they plan to study.
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