Third occipital nerve pulsed radiofrequency for cervicogenic headache

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Cervicogenic headache arises from cervical spine structures, particularly the C2-3 zygapophyseal joint innervated by the third occipital nerve. This prospective, single-center, open-label interventional study at Ankara City Hospital Bilkent enrolls adults meeting ICHD-3 criteria who show a positive response to an ultrasound-guided diagnostic third occipital nerve block. Eligible participants receive ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency of the third occipital nerve at the C2-3 level using standard protocols, with outcomes measured by pain intensity (VAS), headache frequency, analgesic consumption, and patient-reported measures at predefined follow-up visits. Safety and procedure-related adverse events are monitored throughout the study period.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 18 years or older
* Diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3)
* Availability of cranial and cervical spine imaging
* At least 5 headache days per month
* Inadequate response to pharmacological and/or physical therapy treatments
* Ability to understand and provide written informed consent
* Positive response to ultrasound-guided diagnostic third occipital nerve block, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain intensity or patient-reported meaningful improvement

Exclusion Criteria:

* Secondary headache disorders other than cervicogenic headache according to ICHD-3
* Signs or symptoms of cervical nerve root irritation and/or spinal stenosis
* Sensory deficit in the greater occipital nerve dermatome
* Cranio-cervical structural defects or anatomical abnormalities at or near the target site
* Local or systemic infection
* Non-pharmacological headache treatment within the last 3 months (e.g., physical therapy, botulinum toxin A, acupuncture, ozone therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy)
* Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
* Known allergy to local anesthetic agents
* History of malignancy
* Known organic disease of the brain or spinal cord
* History of cranial or cervical surgery within the last 12 months
* Bleeding or coagulation disorders or use of oral anticoagulant therapy
* Comorbid conditions that may cause headache (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, intracranial lesions)
* Conditions that may interfere with treatment adherence or outcome assessment (e.g., psychiatric disorders, dementia)
* Request for re-treatment due to development of contralateral pain or other pain conditions during follow-up
* Refusal to undergo the intervention or withdrawal of consent at any stage of the study

Where it's running

• Ankara City Hospital Bilkent
  Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hatice Babaoğlan
• Email: haticebabaoglan@hotmail.com
• Phone: 0533 7783642

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Steroid injection into neck muscle trigger points versus C2 dorsal root ganglion (nerve) block for chronic cervicogenic headache

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.