Does Nerve Block + Oral Dexamethasone Reduce Recurrence of Headache Within 72 Hrs?

Last updated: May 14, 2025
Sponsor: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

1

Condition

Headaches

Pain

Pain (Pediatric)

Treatment

Dexamethasone Oral

Placebo

Clinical Study ID

NCT06016465
E23081
  • Ages 18-85
  • All Genders

Study Summary

For some patients who come to the emergency department for treatment of a migraine headache, peripheral headache nerve blocks (PHNB) have proven to be an efficient and effective treatment for headache relief. Previous studies have demonstrated that adding steroids as an adjunct treatment to standard migraine treatment can reduce recurrence of headaches in the subsequent few days.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Meet ICHD-3 Migraine Headache Criteria

  • Had a minimum 5-point reduction in headache intensity after nerve block(s) or post-block pain score of 0 to 2

  • Nerve block performed with bupivacaine 0.5%

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Head trauma

  • Suspicion of secondary headache (i.e. stroke, known tumor, glaucoma)

  • Headache in the setting of viral syndrome

  • Chronically on steroids

  • Known allergy to dexamethasone

  • Unable to reach the patient by phone or text for follow-up

  • Gestational diabetes or other uncontrolled diabetes

  • Known to be immunocompromised

Study Design

Total Participants: 84
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: Dexamethasone Oral
Phase: 1
Study Start date:
September 15, 2023
Estimated Completion Date:
January 30, 2026

Study Description

Previous studies have provided evidence that administering steroids in addition to standard migraine headache treatment in the emergency department may reduce the recurrence of the headache within 24-72 hours. The standard migraine treatments in previous studies have been varied and include 5-HT receptor agonists, dopamine antagonists, dihydroergotamine, NSAIDS, and opioid analgesics. The steroids added to the standard treatment have been prednisone and dexamethasone (both IV and oral).

This is the first study to examine the combination of peripheral nerve block as the primary treatment of migraine followed by oral dexamethasone to prevent recurrence.

Connect with a study center

  • University Medical Center of El Paso

    EL Paso, Texas 79905
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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