SubArachnoid Hemorrhage HEadache Treated by Lumbar Puncture
France74 participantsStarted 2018-11-28
Plain-language summary
Headache control is one of the major challenges in patients who suffered an acute aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). Headache affects 90% of the patient and is resistant to the major pain medication. It results from the increased intracranial pressure and the inflammation caused by the accumulation of arterial blood in the subarachnoid space. Hemorrhagic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) removal by a lumbar puncture (LP), is well tolerated, reduces intracranial pressure and accelerates the clearance of the blood products from CSF. Nonetheless it has never been tested in a randomized trial. The investigators aim to compare in patients who experienced a low grade aSAH, the variation of headache intensity after CSF removal by LP vs. Sham LP in addition to predefined analgesic protocol management.
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:
* Age \>18 years
* Low grade subarachnoid hemorrhage (WFNS score between 1 and 3)
* Aneurysmal rupture ≤ 5 days
* Ruptured aneurysm secured by coiling since at least 48 h
* Headache with a mean numeric verbal scale ≥ 4/10 during the last 24 hours
* No contraindication for lumbar puncture
* Affiliation to french social security
* Person able to express her consent and to assess own headache intensity
Exclusion Criteria:
* Minor,
* Pregnancy, breastfeeding
* Subarachnoid hemorrhage without aneurysm
* Ruptured aneurysm not secured
* High grade (WFNS 4 and 5) subarachnoid hemorrhage
* Efficient anticoagulation
* External ventricular drain placed before randomisation
* People under legal protection
* Participation to another research study with an ongoing disqualification period
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
Difference of headache mean intensity variation measured after a lumbar puncture or a sham LP.