My research group focuses on the study of the pathophysiological mechanisms of primary headaches with an emphasis on translational research. In our preclinical studies, we use a range of in vitro techniques as well as electrophysiological and neuroimaging models that resemble specific aspects of headache disorders, in particular migraine and cluster headache. The clinical studies focus mainly on mechanisms of activation and communication of central pain-processing pathways involved in headaches. This setting allows us to translate our preclinical findings into a clinical setting. To date, I have authored numerous papers on headache disorders including book chapters and treatment guidelines.

I am an associate editor for Cephalalgia and the Journal of Oral & Facial Pain and Headache. I am an elected member of the Board of Trustees of the International Headache Society as well as a Council Member and Treasurer of the British Association for the Study of Headache. I am Co-Deputy Lead of the Pain and Addictions Theme at the NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre.

Please see my Research Staff Profile for more detail.

Key publications:

• Hoffmann et al., 2021. Greater occipital nerve block modulates nociceptive signals within the trigeminocervical complex. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry.
• Stanyer et al., 2021. Subjective sleep quality and sleep architecture in patients with migraine: a meta-analysis. Neurology.
• Hoffmann et al., 2020. PAC1 receptor blockade reduces central nociceptive activity: new approach for primary headache? Pain.

View all publications

Key collaborators:

• Prof Peter J Goadsby, King’s College London
• Dr Phil Holland, King’s College London
• Prof Messoud Ashina, University of Copenhagen
• PD Dr Edzard Wiener, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin