Using magnesium sulfate to treat acute headaches in the emergency department

Intravenous Magnesium Sulfate Vs Placebo to Treat Non-traumatic Acute Headaches in the Emergency Department

PHASE3 · University of Monastir · NCT05325580

This study tests if giving magnesium sulfate through an IV can help people with sudden headaches in the emergency room feel better compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment424 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Monastir (other)
Locations1 site (Monastir)
Trial IDNCT05325580 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of intravenous magnesium sulfate compared to a placebo in treating non-traumatic acute headaches in patients visiting the emergency department. The study involves administering magnesium sulfate and aspirin intravenously to eligible participants while monitoring their headache relief. It aims to determine if magnesium sulfate can provide significant pain relief for acute headaches, potentially offering a new treatment option in emergency settings.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old experiencing acute non-traumatic headaches who are being treated in the emergency department.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic headaches, traumatic headaches, or those with certain medical conditions such as renal disorders or neuromuscular disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide rapid and effective relief for patients suffering from acute headaches in emergency situations.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of magnesium sulfate for various conditions has been explored, this specific application for acute headaches in the emergency department is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* informed consent
* age \>18 years
* Acute non-traumatic acute headaches
* patients treated in ED
* Magnesium sulfate and aspirin administered intravenously (IV)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current regular use of analgesics, anticonvulsants or antidepressants
* Renal disorder with a low glomerular filtration rate (\<60 ml/min)
* Neuromuscular disorder
* Pregnant woman
* Contrindication
* Allergy to NSAID
* Traumatic Headache
* Chronic headache ( headache occurring at least 15 days per month for at least 3 months)
* Hemodynamic instability

Where this trial is running

Monastir

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Head Pain, intavenous, magnesium sulfate, nontraumatic, acute headaches, placebo

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.