Using Haloperidol to Manage Acute Back Pain in the Emergency Department

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

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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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.