Limiting smartphone use to treat primary headaches

Smartphone Use Restriction as Treatment of Primary Headache: a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional All India Institute of Medical Sciences · NCT06041997

This study is testing if cutting back on smartphone use can help people with primary headaches feel better and need less medication.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAll India Institute of Medical Sciences Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi)
Trial IDNCT06041997 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of smartphone use restriction on patients suffering from primary headaches. It aims to determine whether reducing smartphone usage can lead to decreased medication consumption and improved responsiveness to treatments. Participants will be categorized based on their smartphone usage and randomized into groups receiving either standard treatment or smartphone restriction. The study also seeks to explore the relationship between the type of smartphone use and headache severity, as well as develop an addiction score to identify patients who may benefit from limiting their smartphone use.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with primary headaches who frequently use smartphones.

Not a fit: Patients with secondary headaches or those who do not use smartphones may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological treatment option for patients with primary headaches.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of smartphone restriction is novel, other studies have explored non-pharmacological interventions for headache management with varying degrees of success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients ≥18 years of age
2. Diagnosis of primary headache as per the ICHD3Beta classification ("ICHD-3 The International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd Edition" n.d.)
3. Willing and consenting to participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1\. Secondary headaches 2. Not consenting for participation or follow up

Where this trial is running

New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi

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 Headache Disorders
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.