Combining nerve block and oral dexamethasone to prevent migraine recurrence
Does Nerve Block Plus Oral Dexamethasone Reduce Recurrence of Headache Within 72 Hours Better Than Nerve Block Alone?
This study is testing if combining a nerve block with an oral medication called dexamethasone can help people with migraines avoid getting more headaches within 72 hours after treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | prednisone |
| Locations | 1 site (El Paso, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06016465 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of using peripheral nerve blocks combined with oral dexamethasone to reduce the recurrence of migraine headaches within 72 hours after treatment. Patients who meet specific migraine criteria and show significant pain reduction after nerve blocks will be enrolled. The study aims to determine if this combination therapy can provide better outcomes compared to standard migraine treatments alone. It is the first of its kind to explore this specific combination for migraine management.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients who meet the ICHD-3 criteria for migraine and have a significant reduction in headache intensity after receiving a nerve block.
Not a fit: Patients with secondary headaches, chronic steroid use, or certain medical conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the frequency of migraine recurrences in patients treated in emergency settings.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that adding steroids to standard migraine treatments can reduce recurrence, but this specific combination of nerve block and oral dexamethasone is novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Meet ICHD-3 Migraine Headache Criteria * Had a minimum 5-point reduction in headache intensity after nerve block(s) or post- block pain score of 0 to 2 * Nerve block performed with bupivacaine 0.5% Exclusion Criteria: * Head trauma * Suspicion of secondary headache (i.e. stroke, known tumor, glaucoma) * Headache in the setting of viral syndrome * Chronically on steroids * Known allergy to dexamethasone * Unable to reach the patient by phone or text for follow-up * Gestational diabetes or other uncontrolled diabetes * Known to be immunocompromised
Where this trial is running
El Paso, Texas
- University Medical Center of El Paso — El Paso, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Edward Michelson, MD
- Email: edward.michelson@ttuhsc.edu
- Phone: 915 215 4600
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.