Greater Occipital Nerve Blockade for Veterans with Post-Traumatic Headache

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This Phase 2 trial randomizes veterans with chronic post-traumatic headaches to receive bilateral greater occipital nerve blocks with 0.0%, 0.05%, or 0.5% bupivacaine. Participants will keep a headache diary to track changes in headache frequency over two months after treatment. The design builds on a prior sub-study that explored dose-related sensations to select a low-dose option that mirrors higher doses. The goal is to determine if these nerve blocks can provide lasting reductions in headache burden in this population.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* United States Military Veterans within VA Connecticut Healthcare System1.
* Head injury with headaches that have continued to occur for at least three months after the head injury
* At least two headache days per week
* Review of the medical record does not reveal another source for headache

Exclusion Criteria:

* Skull defect
* Other contraindication to bupivacaine
* Allergy or adverse reaction (e.g., rash, cardiac effects) to amide anesthetics, such as lidocaine
* Instruction from clinician to avoid amide anesthetics, such as lidocaine
* Pregnant or lack of adequate birth control
* Clinical review of the patient's case reveals red flag signs or symptoms (e.g., side-locked pain, unilateral numbness/weakness during headache, rapid ascension to peak pain, syncope during attacks) that warrant further work-up (e.g., MRI, arterial imaging).
* Absence of imaging warranted by the standard of clinical care for the head injury with headaches.

Where it's running

• VA Connecticut Healthcare System
  West Haven, Connecticut, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Emmanuelle Schindler, MD, PhD — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
• Study coordinator: Emmanuelle Schindler, MD, PhD
• Email: emmanuelle.schindler@va.gov
• Phone: 203-932-5711

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.