Viewing Study NCT03253523


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Study NCT ID: NCT03253523
Status: None
Last Update Posted: 2021-03-10 00:00:00
First Post: 2017-08-15 00:00:00
Is Possible Gene Therapy: False
Has Adverse Events: False

Brief Title: Post-traumatic Occipital Neuralgia - Surgical Versus Medical Management
Sponsor: None
Organization:

Study Overview

Official Title: Post-traumatic Occipital Neuralgia - Surgical Versus Medical Management
Status: None
Status Verified Date: 2021-03
Last Known Status: None
Delayed Posting: No
If Stopped, Why?: Patients did not want to take part in the experimental arm of the study as all have opted for the current standard of care procedure.
Has Expanded Access: False
If Expanded Access, NCT#: N/A
Has Expanded Access, NCT# Status: N/A
Acronym: None
Brief Summary: Occipital neuralgia and subsequent headaches are associated with significant morbidity and impact quality of life and ability to work. Treatment is primarily medical and consists of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and medications to treat neuropathic pain. Many patient exhaust medical management options and suffer from persistent symptoms.

Surgical management of chronic headaches including occipital neuralgia is emerging as a tool to relieve pain and the burden of morbidity associated with this condition. Dr. Bahman Guyuron has been reporting positive results in the literature for the past 20 years. In a systematic review of 14 papers it has been demonstrated that peripheral nerve surgery for migraines is effective and leads to an improvement of symptoms for 86% of patients. Complication rates were low across all studies included. Additionally, Dr Ivica Ducic has reported success specifically treating occipital neuralgia headaches, with significant improvements in subjective pain outcomes post-operatively. The mechanism behind this is thought to be similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, whereby peripheral nerve compression causes nerve irritation and pain. The ensuing inflammatory response to tissue injury can cause sensitization of nociceptors, resulting in hyperalgesia or allodynia. Surgical release of tight surrounding soft tissues results in nerve decompression and relief of symptoms.

Although there are multiple case series and empiric evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of occipital migraine surgery, there are no randomized controlled studies comparing surgical intervention with continued medical management.

As part of the present study, the investigators intend to randomize patients who have exhausted maximal medical treatment of post-traumatic occipital headaches to either a surgical management group or a continued medical management group. Surgical intervention will consist of neurolysis, or release, of the occipital nerves.
Detailed Description: None

Study Oversight

Has Oversight DMC: None
Is a FDA Regulated Drug?: None
Is a FDA Regulated Device?: None
Is an Unapproved Device?: None
Is a PPSD?: None
Is a US Export?: None
Is an FDA AA801 Violation?: