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.
Age range
18 Years – 99 Years
Sex
ALL
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
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.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
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.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Change in Average Occipital Pain 6 Weeks After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 6 weeks after the start of treatment
Change in Worst Occipital Pain 6 Weeks After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 6 weeks after the start of treatment
Change in Average Occipital Pain 6 Months After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 6 months after the start of treatment
Change in Worst Occipital Pain 6 Months After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 6 months after the start of treatment
Change in Average Occipital Pain 3 Months After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 3 months after the start of treatment
Change in Worst Occipital Pain 3 Months After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 3 months after the start of treatment
Change in Average Occipital Pain 2 Weeks After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 2 weeks after the start of treatment
Change in Worst Occipital Pain 2 Weeks After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 2 weeks after the start of treatment
Change in Overall Average Headache Pain 2 Weeks After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 2 weeks after the start of treatment
Change in Overall Worst Headache Pain 2 Weeks After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 2 weeks after the start of treatment
Change in Overall Average Headache Pain 6 Weeks After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 6 weeks after the start of treatment
Change in Overall Worst Overall Headache Pain 6 Weeks After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 6 weeks after the start of treatment
Change in Overall Average Headache Pain 3 Months After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 3 months after the start of treatment
Change in Overall Worst Headache Pain 3 Months After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 3 months after the start of treatment
Change in Overall Average Headache Pain 6 Months After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 6 months after the start of treatment
Change in Overall Worst Headache Pain 6 Months After the Start of Treatment
Timeframe: From baseline to 6 months after the start of treatment