CompletedPhase 4

Steroids in Occipital Nerve Block for Treatment of Headache

United States120 participantsStarted 2023-02-17

Plain-language summary

Currently there is limited evidence of benefit for the addition of steroids to occipital nerve blocks for treatment of headache, and not all steroids have been explored. The purpose of this research is to learn more about whether the addition of a specific kind of steroid (dexamethasone) provides any additional benefit to nerve blocks.

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: * Treated for headache including but not limited to occipital neuralgia, episodic migraine, chronic migraine and/or cervicogenic headache. * Stable on preventative medication dosing for at least 1 month prior to occipital nerve block and no change in preventative medication regimen during the course of the study. * Able to understand the requirements of the study and return for treatment. * Able to independently provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of cluster headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition. * Occipital or other cranial nerve block administered within 3 months prior to initiation of study. * History of adverse reaction or contraindication to any of the study ingredients (bupivacaine, lidocaine, dexamethasone). * Pregnancy. * Infection or bleeding at site of injection. * Cranial bone or cervical spine defects/prior surgeries near injection site that prohibit use of landmark-based technique.

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

Change in Headache Days 1 Week Following Treatment

Timeframe: Baseline; 1 week

Change in Headache Days 2 Weeks Following Treatment

Timeframe: Baseline; 2 weeks

Change in Headache Days 4 Weeks Following Treatment

Timeframe: Baseline; 4 weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05732532

SponsorMayo Clinic

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-06-01

Results submitted2026-05-27

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Headache trials