Comparing nerve block anesthesia with general anesthesia for surgery on chronic subdural hematoma

Safety of Nerve Block Anesthesia Combined With Sedative Anesthesia Versus General Anesthesia in Burr Hole Craniostomy With Drainage for Chronic Subdural Hematoma

Not applicable Interventional Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT05888389

This study is testing if using nerve block anesthesia with sedation is safer and better than general anesthesia for patients having surgery for chronic subdural hematoma.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment190 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing)
Trial IDNCT05888389 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the safety and efficacy of nerve block anesthesia combined with sedative anesthesia compared to general anesthesia during burr hole craniostomy for chronic subdural hematoma. It is a prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial where patients will be assigned to either receive cranial nerve block with dexmedetomidine sedation or general anesthesia. The primary outcome measured will be the incidence of intraoperative limb movement, while secondary outcomes will assess postoperative delirium, neurological function, and recurrence of hematoma. The trial aims to determine if the nerve block approach can provide a safer alternative to general anesthesia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 80 with chronic subdural hematoma and preoperative neurological dysfunction requiring burr hole drainage.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities, cognitive dysfunction, or those who have previously undergone surgery for chronic subdural hematoma may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to safer anesthesia options for patients undergoing surgery for chronic subdural hematoma.

How similar studies have performed: Similar studies have shown promising results with nerve block anesthesia in various surgical settings, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with chronic subdural hematoma with preoperative neurological dysfunction for burr hole drainage;
* Age beween 18 to 80
* Chronic subdural hematoma verified on cranial computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging with hematoma thickness \>1.0cm or midline shift \>1.0 cm.
* Written informed consent obtained

Exclusion Criteria:

* Preoperative unconsciousness (Glasgow Coma Scale\<13, or Markwalder Grade 2-4) or cognitive dysfunction (Mini-Cog≤3, or MMSE≤20)
* Preoperative sensory or motor aphasia
* Recurrence of hematoma with previous surgery for chronic subdural hematoma.
* Previous intracranial surgery or with intracranial lesion
* with severe comorbidity or other organ dysfunction
* Allergic to anesthetics
* Severe coagulopathy or high risk of life-threatening bleeding
* Participating in another research

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing

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.
Conditions Chronic Subdural HematomaAnesthesia
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.