Ultrasound Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Occipital Nerve

Last updated: April 8, 2025
Sponsor: University of Kansas Medical Center
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Pain (Pediatric)

Pain

Treatment

Ultrasound Guided Approach

Clinical Study ID

NCT06583122
STUDY00148697
  • Ages 18-80
  • All Genders

Study Summary

Study an ultrasound guided approach to radiofrequency ablation of the occipital nerve that makes it possible to see the needle during treatment procedure. It is hoped this will reduce the amount of pain after the standard of care procedure.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients between the ages of 18-80 with a diagnosis of occipital neuralgia ormigraine overlying the occipital region.

  • A diagnosis of occipital neuralgia will be based on the International Classificationof Headache Disorders (ICHD), whose criteria include: paroxysmal stabbing pain inthe distribution of the GON, tenderness over the affected nerve, and relief of painfor at least 3 hours after bupivacaine local anesthetic block of the affected nerve.

  • Patients may also be included if they have a diagnosis of migraine based on the ICHDcriteria with predominance of pain over the occipital region that responded tooccipital nerve block.

  • Patients must have failed oral medications including NSAIDs, opioids, andanticonvulsants for the management of their pain.

  • Failed treatment will be <50% pain reduction with oral medication.

  • Patients must report headache frequency of at least 10 days per month.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Patients will be excluded from the trial if they have an unstable medical orpsychological condition,

  • are pregnant,

  • have an implanted cardiac pacemaker or defibrillator that could not be disabled,

  • have had a craniotomy or scar tissue overlying the site from a previous surgery,

  • have a history of cervical spine fusion,

  • have evidence of elevated ICP or intracranial tumor,

  • or have previous RFA treatment of the greater or lesser occipital nerve.

Study Design

Total Participants: 20
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Ultrasound Guided Approach
Phase:
Study Start date:
July 01, 2022
Estimated Completion Date:
December 31, 2026

Connect with a study center

  • University of Kansas Medical Center

    Kansas City, Kansas 66160
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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