: The primary objective of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is to evaluate whether repetitive bilateral greater occipital nerve (GON) blockade administered with a local anesthetic (0.5% bupivacaine) significantly reduces headache severity, attack duration, and the number of pain days in female patients with menstrual migraine compared to a placebo group (normal saline). Patients will receive injections twice a month for three months (seven days before the expected onset of menstruation and on the first day of menstruation).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
FEMALE
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:
* Diagnosed with pure menstrual migraine or menstrually related migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3) diagnostic criteria.
* A documented history of migraine attacks during the perimenstrual period (between days -2 and +3 relative to the onset of menstruation) in at least two of the last three menstrual cycles.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Diagnosis of chronic migraine.
* Presence of an additional primary or secondary headache disorder.
* Pregnant or lactating.
* Known hypersensitivity to local anesthetics.
* Received an occipital nerve blockade within the last three months.
* Presence of a significant neurological or systemic disease that could affect the outcome evaluation.
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 headache severity evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)