Effectiveness of Third Occipital Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency in Cervicogenic Headache (NCT07366060) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Effectiveness of Third Occipital Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency in Cervicogenic Headache
Turkey (Türkiye)25 participantsStarted 2026-02-01
Plain-language summary
Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache disorder originating from cervical spine structures and is frequently associated with chronic pain, functional limitation, and impaired quality of life. The third occipital nerve, which innervates the C2-3 zygapophyseal joint, plays an important role in the pathophysiology of cervicogenic headache.
Pulsed radiofrequency is a minimally invasive interventional pain management technique that modulates nociceptive transmission without causing permanent neural damage. Although third occipital nerve pulsed radiofrequency is increasingly used in clinical practice, prospective data evaluating its clinical effectiveness and safety remain limited.
The aim of this prospective, single-center study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ultrasound-guided third occipital nerve pulsed radiofrequency treatment in patients diagnosed with cervicogenic headache. Pain intensity, headache characteristics, analgesic consumption, and patient-reported outcomes will be assessed before treatment and during follow-up. The results of this study are expected to contribute to clinical evidence supporting interventional treatment strategies for cervicogenic headache.
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 or older
* Diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3)
* Availability of cranial and cervical spine imaging
* At least 5 headache days per month
* Inadequate response to pharmacological and/or physical therapy treatments
* Ability to understand and provide written informed consent
* Positive response to ultrasound-guided diagnostic third occipital nerve block, defined as at least 50% reduction in pain intensity or patient-reported meaningful improvement
Exclusion Criteria:
* Secondary headache disorders other than cervicogenic headache according to ICHD-3
* Signs or symptoms of cervical nerve root irritation and/or spinal stenosis
* Sensory deficit in the greater occipital nerve dermatome
* Cranio-cervical structural defects or anatomical abnormalities at or near the target site
* Local or systemic infection
* Non-pharmacological headache treatment within the last 3 months (e.g., physical therapy, botulinum toxin A, acupuncture, ozone therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy)
* Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy
* Known allergy to local anesthetic agents
* History of malignancy
* Known organic disease of the brain or spinal cord
* History of cranial or cervical surgery within the last 12 months
* Bleeding or coagulation disorders or use of oral anticoagulant therapy
* Comorbid conditions that may cause headache (e.g., uncontrolled hypertension, intracranial lesion…
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
Change in pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
Timeframe: Baseline, and 1, 2, and 3 months after the procedure