Pterygopalatine fossa nerve block to reduce opioid use for headaches after an aneurysmal brain bleed
Pterygopalatine Fossa (PPF) Block as an Opioid Sparing Treatment for AcuteHeadache in Aneurysmal Subarachnold Hemorrhage
Seeing if a pterygopalatine fossa nerve block can quickly ease severe headaches and cut opioid use in adults after an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061791 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you've had an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and are suffering from severe headache, doctors would give a targeted injection into the pterygopalatine fossa to numb pain pathways around the face and head. The trial compares this nerve block plus usual care to standard opioid-based pain control, tracking pain relief, opioid use, and side effects while hospitalized. Study staff will monitor safety measures such as consciousness level, breathing, and any complications after the block. Pain scores and medication needs will be recorded during your hospital stay and through active follow-up.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) hospitalized with an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage who have acute severe headache and are medically eligible for a nerve block.
Not a fit: People without aneurysmal SAH, those not experiencing significant headache, or those with contraindications to nerve blocks (for example, clotting problems or local infection) may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide faster headache relief with less opioid use and fewer opioid-related complications after a brain aneurysm bleed.
How similar studies have performed: Nerve blocks, including PPF-blocks, have shown benefit in other acute and chronic headache conditions, but their use specifically after aneurysmal SAH has been less studied.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Busl, Katharina Maria — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Busl, Katharina Maria
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.