Ultrasound guided treatment for nerve pain relief
Official title: Ultrasound Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Occipital Nerve
Run by University of Kansas Medical Center · NCT06583122 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new ultrasound-guided treatment for nerve pain to see if it can help people with occipital neuralgia or migraines feel better when other medications haven't worked.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | December 30, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 9, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06583122 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 with a diagnosis of occipital neuralgia or migraine that has not responded to oral medications.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have not been diagnosed with occipital neuralgia or migraines, or those who have not failed conventional treatments, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates an ultrasound-guided approach to radiofrequency ablation of the occipital nerve, allowing for real-time visualization of the needle during the procedure. The goal is to enhance the precision of the treatment and potentially reduce post-procedural pain compared to standard methods. Patients eligible for this intervention include those suffering from occipital neuralgia or migraines that predominantly affect the occipital region, who have not found relief from conventional oral medications. The study aims to provide a more effective pain management option for these individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce pain and improve quality of life for patients suffering from occipital neuralgia and related migraines.
How similar studies have gone: While this specific approach is novel, similar studies using ultrasound guidance in nerve procedures have shown promising results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients between the ages of 18-80 with a diagnosis of occipital neuralgia or migraine overlying the occipital region. * A diagnosis of occipital neuralgia will be based on the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD), whose criteria include: paroxysmal stabbing pain in the distribution of the GON, tenderness over the affected nerve, and relief of pain for at least 3 hours after bupivacaine local anesthetic block of the affected nerve. * Patients may also be included if they have a diagnosis of migraine based on the ICHD criteria with predominance of pain over the occipital region that responded to occipital nerve block. * Patients must have failed oral medications including NSAIDs, opioids, and anticonvulsants for the management of their pain. * Failed treatment will be \<50% pain reduction with oral medication. * Patients must report headache frequency of at least 10 days per month. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients will be excluded from the trial if they have an unstable medical or psychological condition, * are pregnant, * have an implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator that could not be disabled, * have had a craniotomy or scar tissue overlying the site from a previous surgery, * have a history of cervical spine fusion, * have evidence of elevated ICP or intracranial tumor, * or have previous RFA treatment of the greater or lesser occipital nerve.
Where it's running
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, Kansas, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Timothy Sowder, MD
- Email: tsowder@kumc.edu
- Phone: 913-588-6670
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.