Toby aged 11, is White British, attends a local primary school and lives with his mum. Toby loves to play football and tennis and also likes cycling and boxing. Toby was invited by the doctor he sees at the hospital to take part in a randomised placebo controlled drug trial. The trial was double-blind which means the doctors and those treating him didn’t know whether he was given the placebo or the drug. He says that everything was explained to him and his mum. He describes a placebo as being like a mint;, it doesn’t do anything. He also understands about the term randomisation because the doctors and the information booklet he received explained everything very clearly. It was also explained about possible side effects. Toby was happy to take part and signed an assent form and his mum signed a consent form.

During the trial Toby had to take medication for 10 weeks. The first 6 weeks he had to take two pills and the next four weeks four pills. They were very small and easy to swallow with water. His mum also had to complete a questionnaire about how Toby was feeling during the trial including the number of migraines and if he had any side effects.

He says that at the end of the trial the researchers told him he had been taking the placebo.

He says taking part can help him and other children with migraines.