Botulinum Toxin Type A Blockade of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion in Treatment-refractory Chronic Cluster Headache
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
Cluster headache is a primary headache condition characterized by clusters of one-sided, high-intensity pain attacks. The headache may be episodic or chronic. Treatment options are limited and their effects unsatisfactory. An important nerve pathway involved in the pain attacks has a switching station at the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) located in the depth of the facial bones. SPG is a known therapy target for cluster headache. The area can be identified on CT images, but is difficult to access due to its location. Thus, the Multiguide navigation system has been developed to enable precise delivery of the drugs that target SPG activity. In Trondheim, two phase 1 / Phase 2 study have been carried out using botulinum toxin A (Botox®) against SPG in patient with chronic cluster headache and chronic migraine. The results indicate that such a treatment strategy is safe and beneficial. The current study is a randomized, placebo-controlled, triple-blinded study to investigate whether precise single-injection of botulinum toxin A reduces the frequency of attacks in chronic cluster headache .
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Informed and written consent. 2. Male or female, 18-85 years of age 3. Headache attacks fulfilling the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) III criteria for chronic cluster headache (CCH) 3.1.2. 4. Dominant headache laterality with ≥ 80% of cluster headache attacks on one side. 5. Subject reports an average of ≥ 4 cluster attacks/week on the side of their dominant headache laterality in the 3 months prior to inclusion and in the baseline period. 6. The condition is pharmacologically refractory defined as suboptimal effect or intolerable side effects or contraindication for verapamil or lithium or suboccipital steroid injection. 7. Subject agrees to maintain current preventive headache medication regimens (no change in type, frequency, or dose) during the whole study period. 8. Subject is able to differentiate concomitant headaches from cluster headache. 9. In case of women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) they have to be using highly effecti