Nurse follow-up for headache patients starting preventive treatment

Nurse Intervention Trial: The Evaluation of Usefulness of a Headache Nurse

NA · Norwegian University of Science and Technology · NCT06200480

This study is testing if follow-up care from a headache nurse over the phone helps people starting preventive treatment for headaches feel more satisfied and stick to their medication better than regular follow-up with their doctor.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 90 Years
SexAll
SponsorNorwegian University of Science and Technology (other)
Locations1 site (Trondheim)
Trial IDNCT06200480 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized open-label prospective study focuses on patients with various types of headaches who are beginning preventive treatment. It compares the effectiveness and patient satisfaction of follow-up care provided by a headache nurse through telephone consultations versus standard follow-up initiated by the patient's general practitioner. Eligible patients will have undergone a neurological consultation and will be prescribed preventive medication, after which they will be randomized into one of the two follow-up groups. The study aims to clarify whether nurse-led follow-up improves compliance and overall satisfaction.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with chronic tension-type headache, migraine, cluster headache, or hemicrania continua who require preventive medication.

Not a fit: Patients with uncertain headache diagnoses or those needing further investigation or treatment for other comorbid conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance patient satisfaction and treatment compliance for individuals suffering from chronic headaches.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with nurse-led follow-up interventions in chronic headache management, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* One of the following headache diagnoses based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition (ICDH3): G44.2 Chronic tension-type headache and/or G43 Episodic and chronic migraine, G44.0 Episodic and chronic cluster headache, G44.8 Hemicrania Continua
* Indication for preventive medication where there is at least one alternative with the need for follow-up assessment of effectiveness.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Uncertain headache diagnosis.
* Need further investigation after the initial consultation.
* Lack of understanding of information provided in Norwegian, both verbally and in writing.
* Inability to keep a digital headache diary.
* Need treatment of other comorbid conditions requiring follow-up in specialized healthcare.
* Treatment with Onabotulinumtoxin A or Calcitonin-gene-related Peptide (CGRP) inhibitors given with three months intervals

Where this trial is running

Trondheim

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Migraine, Chronic Tension-Type Headache, Cluster Headache, Hemicrania Continua

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.