Central Sensitization and Neuropathic Pain in Cervicogenic Headache (NCT07292181) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedNot Applicable
Central Sensitization and Neuropathic Pain in Cervicogenic Headache
Turkey (Türkiye)72 participantsStarted 2025-07-03
Plain-language summary
Cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache that originates from the structures of the neck and can spread toward the head and facial regions. It is often one-sided and may be triggered by neck movement or sustained posture. The underlying mechanisms are thought to include abnormal processing of pain signals in the cervical spine and brainstem.
This case-control study was designed to examine whether individuals with cervicogenic headache show higher levels of central nervous system hypersensitivity and nerve-related pain compared with healthy individuals. The study also aimed to identify how these pain mechanisms are related to sleep, mood, and functional capacity.
The research was conducted at the Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Neurology of Yozgat Bozok University. Adults between 18 and 65 years of age who met the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache were included. Age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers without chronic pain or neurological disorders were recruited as the control group.
Participants completed face-to-face interviews that included sociodemographic questions and a series of validated assessment tools measuring pain characteristics, psychological state, sleep quality, and quality of life. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board, and all participants provided written informed consent prior to participation.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18 to 65 years
* Patient group: Clinical diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) criteria
* Healthy control group: Age- and sex-matched individuals without cervicogenic headache or other chronic pain conditions
* Adequate cognitive function and literacy to complete questionnaires
* Voluntary participation with written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Age younger than 18 years or older than 65 years
* Inability to communicate effectively
* Illiteracy
* Refusal to participate
* Presence of systemic diseases including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, or malignancy
* Neurological diseases associated with neuropathic pain
* Rheumatologic diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, or fibromyalgia
* Withdrawal of consent or incomplete data during the study
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.