Using Haloperidol to Manage Acute Back Pain in the Emergency Department
Haloperidol for Pain Control in Patients With Acute Musculoskeletal Back Pain in the Emergency Department
This study is testing whether Haloperidol can help relieve acute back pain in adults who come to the emergency department, comparing it to a common pain medication.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 75 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Western Michigan University School of Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kalamazoo, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT06395428 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of Haloperidol for pain control in patients aged 18-65 who present to the emergency department with acute, non-traumatic back pain. A total of 150 participants will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either Haloperidol or Ketorolac Tromethamine. Pain levels will be assessed at 30, 60, and 90 minutes after administration, with follow-up conducted via telephone 24 hours later. The study aims to provide insights into alternative pain management strategies in emergency settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 presenting with acute, non-traumatic back pain and a pain score greater than 5 cm on the VAS.
Not a fit: Patients with traumatic back pain, neurological abnormalities, or certain medical conditions such as glaucoma or Lewy Body Dementia may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new approach to managing acute back pain in emergency department settings.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of Haloperidol for pain management is not widely tested, similar studies have explored its efficacy in various pain conditions, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 - 65 years old * Presenting to the Bronson ED with a chief complaint of acute, non-traumatic back pain * VAS score \>5 cm Exclusion Criteria: * Back pain due to traumatic injury * Experiencing saddle anesthesia * Has bowel or bladder dysfunction * Has an abnormal neurological exam * Requires imaging in ED * Has a Glascow coma score \<15 * Has one or more abnormal vital signs: HR\>120, SBP\>180 or \<90, temperature \>38°, O2 saturation\<92% * Has an allergy to ketorolac or haloperidol * Has a known diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia * Has a known diagnosis of glaucoma. * Is known to be pregnant or breastfeeding * Is a prisoner or ward of the state * Is unable to consent for themselves/ non-english speaking * In the opinion of the attending physician or investigator the patient should not participate in the research
Where this trial is running
Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Bronson Methodist Hospital — Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jessica McCoy, MD — Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jessica McCoy, MD
- Email: jessica.mccoy@wmed.edu
- Phone: 269-337-6600
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.