Third occipital nerve pulsed radiofrequency for cervicogenic headache
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Third Occipital Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache
NA · Ankara City Hospital Bilkent · NCT07366060
This trial will test whether ultrasound-guided pulsed radiofrequency of the third occipital nerve reduces pain in adults with cervicogenic headache who responded to a diagnostic nerve block.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ankara City Hospital Bilkent (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara, Ankara) |
| Trial ID | NCT07366060 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with cervicogenic headache by ICHD-3, with at least 5 headache days per month, inadequate response to conservative therapy, and who achieved ≥50% pain relief or meaningful improvement after an ultrasound-guided diagnostic third occipital nerve block are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with other secondary headache disorders, signs of cervical nerve root irritation or spinal stenosis, cranio-cervical structural abnormalities, active infection, recent non-pharmacological headache treatments, or who did not have a positive diagnostic block are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the procedure could provide longer-lasting pain relief, reduce headache frequency, and decrease the need for pain medications without causing permanent nerve damage.
How similar studies have performed: Pulsed radiofrequency applied to occipital nerves and cervical facet-related pain has shown promising results in case series and small trials, but prospective data specifically for third occipital nerve PRF remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Ankara, Ankara
- Ankara City Hospital Bilkent — Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hatice Babaoğlan
- Email: haticebabaoglan@hotmail.com
- Phone: 0533 7783642
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Cervicogenic Headache, Third Occipital Nerve, cervicogenic headache, Pulsed Radiofrequency, TON PRF