NCT07366060 Effectiveness of Third Occipital Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequency in Cervicogenic Headache
| NCT ID | NCT07366060 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Ankara City Hospital Bilkent |
| Condition | Cervicogenic Headache |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 25 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-02-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-05-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 25 participants in total. It began in 2026-02-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-05-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief 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.
Eligibility Criteria
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 lesions) * Conditions that may interfere with treatment adherence or outcome assessment (e.g., psychiatric disorders, dementia) * Request for re-treatment due to development of contralateral pain or other pain conditions during follow-up * Refusal to undergo the intervention or withdrawal of consent at any stage of the study
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07366060 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Cervicogenic Headache. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07366060 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07366060 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at haticebabaoglan@hotmail.com for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07366060 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye).
Who is sponsoring the NCT07366060 clinical trial?
NCT07366060 is sponsored by Ankara City Hospital Bilkent. The trial plans to enroll 25 participants.