Comparing dexmedetomidine and bupivacaine for pain management after brain surgery

Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Bupivacaine in Scalp Block Versus Bupivacaine Alone for Postoperative Pain Management in Patients Undergoing Craniotomy

NA · Ain Shams University · NCT06993922

This study is testing if adding dexmedetomidine to bupivacaine can help reduce pain better after brain surgery compared to using bupivacaine alone.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorAin Shams University (other)
Locations1 site (Cairo)
Trial IDNCT06993922 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to bupivacaine in scalp block versus bupivacaine alone for managing postoperative pain in patients undergoing craniotomy. The approach utilizes scalp block as a multimodal strategy to alleviate pain and reduce hemodynamic responses during surgery. By incorporating dexmedetomidine, a selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist, the study aims to enhance the analgesic effects and prolong the duration of action of local anesthetics.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 years undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomies with ASA physical status I or II.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of allergy to the study medications, bleeding disorders, or those requiring emergency craniotomy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve postoperative pain management for patients undergoing craniotomy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with the use of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant in pain management, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age from 18 to 65 years.
* Both sexes.
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II.
* Undergoing supratentorial elective planned craniotomies.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients refusal.
* History of known allergy to the used local anesthetic or dexmedetomidine.
* Bleeding disorders.
* Evidence of local infection at the site of injection.
* Emergency craniotomy.
* Psychotic disorder.
* Patients who will not be extubated in the operating room after surgery.

Where this trial is running

Cairo

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Dexmedetomidine, Adjuvant, Bupivacaine, Scalp Block, Postoperative Pain, Craniotomy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.