Steroids in Occipital Nerve Block for Treatment of Headache

Launched by MAYO CLINIC · Feb 16, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether adding a specific steroid called dexamethasone to occipital nerve blocks can help improve treatment for headaches. Occipital nerve blocks are injections that can relieve pain for different types of headaches, but researchers want to see if including dexamethasone makes these treatments even more effective. The study is currently looking for participants aged 65 to 74 who have been receiving treatment for headaches like migraines or neuralgia and have not changed their headache medication in the last month.

If you or a loved one are interested in participating, you'll need to be able to understand the study requirements and give consent. Participants will receive the nerve block treatment and will be monitored throughout the study. However, there are some exclusions, such as those with cluster headaches, recent nerve block treatments, or certain health conditions. This trial is an important step in understanding how to best treat headaches, and your involvement could help improve options for many people suffering from this condition.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Treated for headache including but not limited to occipital neuralgia, episodic migraine, chronic migraine and/or cervicogenic headache.
• • Stable on preventative medication dosing for at least 1 month prior to occipital nerve block and no change in preventative medication regimen during the course of the study.
• • Able to understand the requirements of the study and return for treatment.
• • Able to independently provide informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Diagnosis of cluster headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition.
• • Occipital or other cranial nerve block administered within 3 months prior to initiation of study.
• • History of adverse reaction or contraindication to any of the study ingredients (bupivacaine, lidocaine, dexamethasone).
• • Pregnancy.
• • Infection or bleeding at site of injection.
• • Cranial bone or cervical spine defects/prior surgeries near injection site that prohibit use of landmark-based technique.