The objective of this study is to demonstrate that scalp nerve blocks ("scalp freezing"), performed at the end of supratentorial brain surgery, will reduce post-operative pain, opioids side effects, and the time required for post-anaesthesia care unit (PACU)/Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and hospital discharge.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* adults aged 18 years and over;
* patients scheduled for elective craniotomy under general anaesthesia for one of the following surgeries:
* resection of a supratentorial brain tumour,
* clipping of an un-ruptured supratentorial cerebral aneurysm,
* excision of a supratentorial arterio-venous malformation (AVM),
* removal of an epileptic focus under general anaesthetic.
* ASA physical status \< IV.
Exclusion Criteria:
* history of significant coronary artery disease (NYHA class III or IV) which would contraindicate the use of epinephrine;
* presence of pain related to the intracranial pathology (e.g. tumour pain) since it could make difficult the discrimination between the tumour pain itself and the surgery related pain;
* current history of alcohol abuse or recreational drug abuse;
* active psychotic disorder;
* history of chronic pain requiring chronic opioids use (patients on opioids for \> 2 weeks);
* known or suspected addiction to narcotic substances;
* presence of any acute distracting pain;
* history of migraines;
* inability to understand or incapacity to use the VAS;
* proven or suspected allergy to local anaesthetics;
* craniotomy incision extending beyond the field of the block;
* predicted need for postoperative ventilation;
* history of scalp paresthesia or scalp scarring that may preclude normal nerve anatomy;
* previous craniotomy or cranial irradiation;
* history of malignant hyperthermia, which would contraindicate the anaest…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
The primary outcome will be the 24h post-operative VAS score among adults undergoing supratentorial craniotomy.