Pulsed radiofrequency treatment for chronic cluster headache

The Efficacy and Safety of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment for Chronic Cluster Headache

Not applicable Interventional Beijing Tiantan Hospital · NCT06787677

This study is testing a new treatment using pulsed radiofrequency for people with chronic cluster headaches who haven't found relief from regular medications.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment108 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBeijing Tiantan Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beijing, Beijing Municipality)
Trial IDNCT06787677 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the safety and efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) targeting the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) as a treatment for chronic cluster headache (CH). Patients with chronic CH who have not responded to standard medications will be enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of this minimally invasive procedure. The study aims to address the significant unmet need for effective therapies for this debilitating condition, which affects a small percentage of the population. Participants will undergo PRF treatment and will be monitored for outcomes related to headache frequency and severity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with chronic cluster headaches experiencing at least four attacks per week and who have not responded to standard treatments.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have certain cardiac devices, or have a history of serious psychiatric disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for patients suffering from chronic cluster headaches.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that pulsed radiofrequency treatment for similar conditions has shown promise, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Chronic cluster headache;
* At least four attacks per week;
* Minimum age of 18 years;
* Non-response to verapamil and lithium treatment in the past, intolerance, or contraindication to verapamil and lithium, along with non-response, intolerance, or contraindica-tion to topiramate, or gabapentin.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or breastfeeding;
* Presence of cardiac pacemaker or other neuromodulatory devices;
* Pyschiatric and cognitive disorders;
* Serious drug habituation or overuse of acute-headache medication;
* History of stroke or intracranial aneurysm, or at risk for serious or acute cardiovascular events;
* Infection at the puncture site;
* Previous history of invasive treatments such as sphenopalatine ganglion radiofrequency thermocoagulation and chemical destruction.

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing Municipality

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, Cluster
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.