Using steroids in nerve blocks to treat headaches
Treatment of Headache With Occipital Nerve Blocks: Comparison Trial of Anesthetic With or Without Dexamethasone
This study is testing if adding a steroid to nerve blocks can make them work better for people with headaches.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 120 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT05732532 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates whether adding dexamethasone, a specific steroid, to occipital nerve blocks enhances their effectiveness in treating headaches. Patients referred for occipital nerve blocks will be randomized to receive either the nerve block with dexamethasone or without it, while both the patient and the provider remain blinded to the treatment received. The study will collect baseline data and monitor patients for any immediate adverse effects following the procedure. The goal is to determine if the steroid provides additional benefits over standard nerve block treatment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals suffering from various types of headaches, such as occipital neuralgia, migraines, or cervicogenic headaches, who are stable on preventative medications.
Not a fit: Patients with cluster headaches or those who have had recent nerve blocks or contraindications to the study medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve headache management for patients receiving occipital nerve blocks.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited evidence regarding the addition of steroids to nerve blocks, this specific approach has not been extensively tested, making it a novel investigation.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Treated for headache including but not limited to occipital neuralgia, episodic migraine, chronic migraine and/or cervicogenic headache. * Stable on preventative medication dosing for at least 1 month prior to occipital nerve block and no change in preventative medication regimen during the course of the study. * Able to understand the requirements of the study and return for treatment. * Able to independently provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of cluster headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. * Occipital or other cranial nerve block administered within 3 months prior to initiation of study. * History of adverse reaction or contraindication to any of the study ingredients (bupivacaine, lidocaine, dexamethasone). * Pregnancy. * Infection or bleeding at site of injection. * Cranial bone or cervical spine defects/prior surgeries near injection site that prohibit use of landmark-based technique.
Where this trial is running
Rochester, Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic Minnesota — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Carrie Robertson, MD — Mayo Clinic
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.