Randomized, Double-blind, Comparative-effectiveness Study Comparing Corticosteroid Injections to Pulsed Radiofrequency for Occipital Neuralgia
Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine whether pulsed radiofrequency or steroids are better for occipital neuralgia. Seventy-six patients with ON or migraine with tenderness over the occipital nerve who respond to occipital nerve blocks (hereafter included under the broad category "ON") will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either corticosteroid and local anesthetic injections (n=38) or local anesthetic and PRF of the occipital nerve(s) (n=38) for occipital neuralgia. Both patients and the treating \& evaluating physicians will be blinded. The first follow-up visit will be at 6 weeks. Patients who obtain significant pain relief will remain in the study. Those patients who fail to obtain any benefit will exit the study and be allowed to crossover to the other treatments or receive alternative care. The second follow-up will be at 3 months and the final follow-up will be at 6-months post-procedure.
Conditions: Occipital Neuralgia.
Primary outcome: Change in Average Occipital Pain 6 Weeks After the Start of Treatment; Change in Worst Occipital Pain 6 Weeks After the Start of Treatment; Change in Average Occipital Pain 6 Months After the Start of Treatment; Change in Worst Occipital Pain 6 Months After the Start of Treatment; Change in Average Occipital Pain 3 Months After the Start of Treatment; Change in Worst Occipital Pain 3 Months After the Start of Treatment; Change in Average Occipital Pain 2 Weeks After the Start of Treatment; Change in Worst Occipital Pain 2 Weeks…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 81 participants or records.
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