Ketamine and Magnesium for treating chronic cluster headaches

Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Single Infusion of Ketamine Combined With Magnesium Sulfate to Treat Refractory Chronic Cluster Headache

Phase 4 Interventional University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand · NCT04814381

This study is testing if a mix of ketamine and magnesium can help people with chronic cluster headaches have fewer attacks.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand Academic / other
Locations10 sites (Annecy and 9 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04814381 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of a combination of ketamine and magnesium sulfate in reducing the frequency of attacks in patients suffering from refractory chronic cluster headache (CCH). The study aims to confirm previous findings that showed a significant reduction in daily headache attacks following a single infusion of this drug combination. Participants will be monitored for changes in the number of attacks two weeks prior to the infusion and one week after. The study is placebo-controlled to ensure the reliability of the results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with chronic cluster headache and experience at least two attacks per day.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have contraindications to ketamine, or have severe renal insufficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly reduce the frequency of debilitating headache attacks for patients with chronic cluster headaches.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating potential for success in this trial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age \>= 18 years
* Chronic cluster headache diagnosis made according to ICHD-3 criteria
* A mean of at least 2 attacks/day during the 14 days before infusion
* Insufficient efficacy or intolerance or contra-indication to the use of the 3 main validated treatments (verapamil, lithium and sub-occipital steroids injections)
* Stable preventive treatment for at least 7 days before infusion

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or lactating woman
* Contra-indication to ketamine use (uncontrolled high blood pressure, stoke history, severe cardiac failure)
* Ketamine use during the previous year
* Hypersensitivity to the product or their metabolites
* Severe renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance \< 30ml/min)

Where this trial is running

Annecy and 9 other locations

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 Refractory Chronic Cluster HeadacheChronic cluster headacheKetamineMagnesium
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.