Nebulized dexmedetomidine versus lidocaine for post-dural puncture headache after elective cesarean

Nebulized Dexmedetomidine or Lidocaine for Treatment of Post Dural Puncture Headache in Parturients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Bicentric Study

Early Phase 1 Interventional Minia University · NCT06607861

This study tests whether a nebulized dose of dexmedetomidine or lidocaine can reduce moderate-to-severe post-dural puncture headache in women after elective cesarean under spinal anesthesia.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment114 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 40 Years
SexFemale
SponsorMinia University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Al Fayyum)
Trial IDNCT06607861 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Women who develop post-dural puncture headache after elective cesarean under spinal anesthesia are assigned to receive nebulized dexmedetomidine, nebulized lidocaine, or nebulized saline. Pain intensity is measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) and Lybecker classification, and symptom changes are recorded after treatment. The protocol compares the three groups for headache relief and need for additional interventions. Safety and tolerability, including any effects related to nasal delivery or respiratory status, are also monitored.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Postpartum parturients who develop PDPH after elective cesarean under spinal anesthesia with VAS ≥ 4 and Lybecker classification score ≥ 2.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic headache disorders, recent nasal surgery or deformity, severe obstructive sleep apnea, BMI > 35, or other contraindications listed in the protocol are unlikely to benefit from the interventions tested.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a simple, noninvasive nasal treatment to reduce PDPH symptoms and lower the need for invasive procedures like an epidural blood patch.

How similar studies have performed: While local anesthetics and alpha-2 agonists have supporting data for some perioperative pain uses, nebulized intranasal treatment specifically for PDPH is relatively novel and has limited prior evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Post partum headache for parturient with elective CS under spinal anesthesia with visual analog score (VAS) ≥ 4 \[14\] and Lybecker classification score ≥ 2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Emergency caesarean section.
* Pregnancy induced hypertension
* Contraindications for sub-arachinoid block ( coagulopathy, infection )
* History of chronic headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia
* Refusal to participate
* History of cerebrovascular stroke
* BMI\> 35
* Prior maxillofacial with nasal deformity, Recent nasal surgery (\<3 months) Nasal polyposis or severe allergic rhinitis
* Severe OSA (AHI\>30) , OBESITY HYPOVENTILATION SYNDROME, CENTRAL APNEA SYBDROME
* History of obstructive sleep apnea.

Where this trial is running

Al Fayyum

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 Pain Score
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.