Pulsed Radiofrequency vs. Steroid Injections for Occipital Neuralgia
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2015-02-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The aim of this study is to determine whether pulsed radiofrequency or steroids are better
for occipital neuralgia. Seventy-six patients with ON or migraine with tenderness over the
occipital nerve who respond to occipital nerve blocks (hereafter included under the broad
category "ON") will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either corticosteroid and local
anesthetic injections (n=38) or local anesthetic and PRF of the occipital nerve(s) (n=38) for
occipital neuralgia. Both patients and the treating & evaluating physicians will be blinded.
The first follow-up visit will be at 6 weeks. Patients who obtain significant pain relief
will remain in the study. Those patients who fail to obtain any benefit will exit the study
and be allowed to crossover to the other treatments or receive alternative care. The second
follow-up will be at 3 months and the final follow-up will be at 6-months post-procedure.
Phase:
N/A
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Johns Hopkins University
Collaborators:
Landstuhl Regional Medical Center Madigan Army Medical Center Naval Hospital San Diego Portsmouth Naval Hospital United States Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth United States Naval Medical Center, San Diego